Abdominal fat, or visceral fat, forms when the liver accumulates too much fat. It then overflows, surrounding your vital organs such as the heart, pancreas, intestines, and gallbladder. This type of fat is particularly dangerous because it disrupts the function of these organs, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the six main foods that promote this accumulation, and how to avoid them to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Fat-Burning Cream
The Dangers of Trans Fats
Trans fats, or hydrogenated oils, are chemical compounds found in products such as soybean, corn, canola, cottonseed, sunflower, and margarines. These oils, often used in fast food, takeout, and processed foods, are extremely toxic to your liver.
These oils, although often misleadingly labeled “vegetable oils,” are obtained through industrial processes involving solvents and chemicals. They increase inflammation throughout the body due to their omega-6 content, promoting fat storage in the liver. Once the liver is saturated, this fat overflows and accumulates as visceral fat.
To reduce these risks, choose healthy alternatives such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or grass-fed butter. Cooking your meals at home also allows you to better control the types of fats used.
Refined Grain Products: A Hidden Contributor to Visceral Fat
Flour-based products such as bread, cookies, cereals, pasta, and pastries are foods rich in starch. Once ingested, they are quickly converted into glucose, thus increasing blood sugar levels. Any excess sugar is then converted into fat and stored as visceral fat. Sugar-free candy
Even whole grains, often considered healthier, can cause this type of accumulation. They also contain phytic acid, which prevents the absorption of essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, and calcium.
To limit this effect, adopt a low-carb diet, such as the ketogenic (keto) diet. This type of eating stabilizes your blood sugar and encourages the use of fat stores as an energy source.
Fructose: Your Liver’s Silent Enemy
Fructose, a sugar found in fruit, table sugar, agave nectar, and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), is particularly harmful. Unlike glucose, fructose is not used directly by cells for energy. It is metabolized in the liver, where it overloads this organ and contributes to the accumulation of visceral fat.
