Established 2005

How to Get Rid of Belly Fat

The fat and extra weight that accumulates around the belly region is not only very hard to get rid of, but also has many health consequences. See Introduction to Monounsaturated fats below. SEE FOODS TO EAT

Many different studies have shown that a diet rich in monounsaturated fats leads to weight loss, particularly in the belly are. There are five specific foods that you can eat every day to reduce fat in your belly. It is recommended that you eat one of these monounsaturated fats at every meal for best results. The popular Flat Belly Diet outlines the meal plans and specifically how you can add these important foods to every meal.

SEE WHAT 5 FOODS YOU SHOULD START EATING NOW

An Introduction to Monounsaturated Fats
By Thomas Parker

Monounsaturated fats are a type of dietary fat that can be found in nuts, oils and seeds. The benefits of this macronutrient have been well publicised in recent years. Today I am going to look at this type of fat in greater detail.

All dietary fats are constructed from carbon and hydrogen atoms. With monounsaturated fat the carbon atoms are bonded to hydrogen atoms at all but one point (hence the name 'mono'). It is a natural fat with a higher melting point than saturated fat but a lower melting point than polyunsaturated fat.

There are a number of different types of monounsaturated fats. These include:
- Cis-Vaccenic Acid.
- Oleic Acid.
- Palmitoleic Acid.

It can be found in many foods with nuts, oils and seeds containing very high levels. Some of the best food sources include:
- Avocados.
- Brazil Nuts.
- Olive Oil.
- Pumpkin Seeds.

Monounsaturated fats have many health benefits. Some of the main ones are listed below:

1) BURNING BODY FAT:- Some studies suggest that this type of dietary fat helps reduce central body fat distribution and increases the overall amount of body fat that you burn.

2) CANCER PREVENTION:- If you get your monounsaturated fat from olive oil it could help protect you from colon cancer and breast cancer. Olive oil contains a number of cancer preventing ingredients including flavonoids, polyphenols and squalene.

3) GOOD SOURCE OF FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS:- The majority of foods containing this macronutrient are also rich in fat soluble vitamins which promote good health. Some of their benefits include helping you absorb essential minerals, helping your blood clot and protecting your cells from damaging free radicals. A diet rich in monounsaturated fats also helps you properly absorb fat soluble vitamins and fully enjoy their benefits.

4) IMPROVED BLOOD GLUCOSE CONTROL:- This type of dietary fat contain high levels of adiponectin (a substance that helps your cells absorb glucose from the blood). It also makes your cells more sensitive to insulin (a hormone which allows your cell's to take glucose from the blood). This is of particular benefit to diabetics for whom blood sugar control is of vital importance.

I hope this article has taught you a little more about monounsaturated fats and the associated health benefits. If you are not doing so already make sure this macronutrient is a regular fixture in your diet. Use olive oil in your cooking, snack on nuts instead of crisps and make sure you do so regularly.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about monounsaturated fats and the benefits of fat by visiting his websites.

Article Source: An Introduction to Monounsaturated Fats