Visceral fat lies in the abdominal cavity and surrounds many vital organs, such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines.
Although the presence of some fat in this area is normal, what raises concern is that the location of its presence makes belly fat harmful, and increases the risk of health problems, ranging from diabetes to heart disease.
Fortunately, one spice may be able to help reduce this fat culprit. Whether you pair it with honey in a hot drink or add it to a curry dish, ginger delivers more than a pleasant flavour.
This spice is known to have anti-bacterial and “anti-inflammatory” effects. What ginger lacks in vitamins and minerals, it makes up for in its antioxidant content.
Moreover, this popular spice can also help reduce dangerous belly fat, according to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
The study found that ginger powder was able to reduce visceral fat in obese people. And if you are not aware, the description of obesity is that it is a degree of fat, or an amount of fat, located in a specific area of the body.
The research team originally set out to investigate whether supplementation with ginger could prevent obesity.
Scientists conducted experiments on rat models, and used ginger powder to prepare a hot drink with water.
The mice were fed one of three diets for seven weeks: a low-fat diet, a high-fat diet, or a high-fat diet supplemented with ginger powder.
The ginger group experienced a decrease in visceral adipose tissue as well as in inflammation levels.
The research team stated that their findings show a “promising nutritional strategy” for reducing adipose tissue and obesity.
What’s more, the rat models were able to reap the benefits of weight loss in a matter of “weeks”.
And this isn’t the only study looking at ginger’s fat-burning effects. A review of 60 studies, published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, noted that ginger provides anti-obesity powers.
However, this group of research also included human trials, unlike previous studies.
Their findings indicate that consuming ginger can enhance calorie burning and reduce feelings of hunger.
This spice has also been linked to positive changes in cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and liver health.
Cinnamon is another spice that has been linked to a loss of visceral fat, according to a study published in Nutritional Science and Vitaminology.