Visceral fat, which is fat accumulated in the abdominal area, is described as a precursor to serious health problems.
One of the reasons why visceral fat is dangerous is that it can secrete toxic chemicals that lead to inflammation of the body’s tissues.
Furthermore, belly fat can increase the risk of diseases ranging from diabetes to dementia.
Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is not located directly under the skin, and cannot be stimulated. It is stored deep in the abdomen, where harmful belly fat wraps around vital organs.
But the good news is that healthy lifestyle changes can help melt this stubborn fat.
According to research published in the journal Oleo Science, one of the things that may help reduce belly fat is drinking apple juice.
The researchers studied the effects of polyphenols found in apples on participants of different weights. They were classified from “somewhat underweight” to “moderately obese.” There were 124 participants in total.
Polyphenols are natural plant compounds that can be found in fruits, vegetables, and grains. These compounds are known for their disease-fighting mechanisms, as well as their ability to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to the National Library of Medicine.
The researchers divided the study participants into two groups for each experiment: the apple drink group and the placebo drink group.
The apple drink group consumed drinks containing 0.6 mg of apple polyphenols.
When it came to the actual amount of drink, they were given 340ml of the drink daily for 12 weeks.
The researchers gave the placebo group three times that amount for four weeks instead.
After eight weeks of consuming the apple cider protocol, researchers began to notice a difference in the area of visceral fat.
They found that the apple drink group experienced a “significant” reduction in these fats. However, the study notes that these effects were only observed in those who started the study with more visceral fat.
They added, “There was no significant change in visceral fat area in the apple consumption group that started with a normal visceral fat area.”
Another reason why apples can help with weight loss is their pectin content.
Pectin is a type of fiber that breaks down slowly, making you feel full longer. This type of fiber also binds to water and limits the amount of fat that cells can absorb.
In addition, researchers found that consuming apple peels cuts several factors of metabolic syndrome, as reported in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Metabolic syndrome describes a group of conditions that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal levels of cholesterol or triglycerides.
