Body fat serves valuable functions, from storing certain vitamins to maintaining warmth. However, one type of body fat can be considered harmful to health: visceral fat, or belly fat. This type of fat is located inside the abdominal cavity, surrounding vital organs such as the stomach, liver, and intestines.
اضافة اعلان
According to a report by Al Arabiya Net from Eating Well and scientific research, one drink can help reduce visceral fat, and that drink is coffee.
Coffee Drinkers and Belly Fat
Research has linked coffee consumption to reduced body fat. For example, a study conducted this year on more than 45,000 people found that those who drank coffee (about 1.7 cups per day) had much lower levels of visceral fat compared to those who did not drink coffee.
While having a small amount of visceral fat is necessary to protect vital organs, excessive amounts increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, if someone is already accustomed to drinking coffee, they can continue to do so in moderation.
How Coffee Helps Reduce Visceral Fat
According to nutritionist Megan Beard, several factors may contribute to coffee’s ability to reduce visceral fat:
Caffeine Supports Metabolism: Beard explains that experts have long believed that caffeine’s ability to boost metabolism is the main reason coffee aids in weight loss. Some studies have shown that coffee can increase the metabolic rate by 5% to 20% for at least three hours after consumption.
Antioxidants: Coffee is well-known for its high antioxidant content. Each cup contains between 200 and 550 milligrams of these beneficial plant compounds, which is more than green tea. Antioxidants help protect the body from cell damage. Including more antioxidants in your diet is another way to reduce visceral fat. A study conducted last year found that higher antioxidant intake might be linked to reduced visceral fat tissue.
Specifically, nutrition professor Beth Conlon says that chlorogenic acids and cafestol, both found in coffee, are antioxidants that may assist in fat loss. She adds: "Studies have shown that chlorogenic acids can reduce belly fat, body weight, and waist circumference." Meanwhile, cafestol has been associated with a decrease in body weight and visceral fat.
Appetite Suppression: Another potential benefit of caffeine on visceral fat is its ability to reduce hunger levels. Conlon states: "Caffeine in coffee can stimulate the nervous system, possibly reducing appetite." This way, coffee can contribute to lower calorie intake, which indirectly reduces belly fat over time. She also notes that reducing appetite with coffee does not mean replacing meals with coffee alone.
By incorporating coffee into a balanced diet, its potential benefits for reducing belly fat can be achieved over time.
