Body composition is strongly influenced by diet. The accumulation of fat in the abdominal region is a cause for concern, as it is associated with the onset of chronic diseases.
Want to avoid these problems? In this article, we highlight some foods that increase belly fat. Find out what they are and learn how to make healthy changes!
What foods increase belly fat?
Many foods are harmful to our overall health when included in our daily diet, as they contain components that are not good for our health. Those rich in sugar, saturated and trans fats, hydrogenated vegetable fat and refined flours are the ones most related to the accumulation of abdominal fat.
Some examples that contain these ingredients are: fried, canned, processed foods, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, foods rich in sodium and flavor enhancers.
In addition to being rich in sugar and fat, ultra-processed foods contain large amounts of sodium and flavor enhancers. These compounds are not good for your health and can cause serious problems in the future.
Healthier options
Some dietary changes can help prevent diseases associated with increased abdominal fat. For example, changing your consumption of processed foods to more natural foods.
It is also recommended to consume whole foods throughout meals, as they are rich in fiber, which helps with satiety and reduces the absorption of fat in the body.
Another important point is to pay attention to the labels of what you consume. In addition to identifying foods that are truly rich in good nutrients, you can check whether they are simply sold as more healthy when, in fact, they are also rich in sugars and fats like other foods.
Always pay attention to the list of ingredients, as the first ingredient is the one present in the largest quantity in the product. Therefore, if it is whole grain, it should contain some whole grain ingredient, be it flour or cereal. Also pay attention to the small letters and numbers, as they may be the names of chemical compounds that cause long-term harm to your health.