To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Christian Basi : Mar 24, 2011  University of Missouri, Columbia

"This research paves the way for potential use in humans. Reducing belly fat is a key to reducing the incidence of serious disease, and this oil could have a future as a nutritional supplement." -James Perfield

(Columbia, MO)—Scientists have known for years that belly fat leads to serious medical problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke. Now, a University of Missouri researcher has found a plant oil that may be able to reduce belly fat in humans.

In his latest study, James Perfield, assistant professor of food science in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), found that a specific plant oil, known as sterculic oil, may be a key in the fight against obesity. Sterculic oil is extracted from seeds of the Sterculia foetida tree. The oil contains unique fatty acids known to suppress a bodily enzyme associated with insulin resistance, which could indirectly help with reducing belly fat. Previous studies show that reducing the enzyme in rodents improves their metabolic profile, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing chances for later chronic diseases. (Photo by: Keith Montgomery/University of Missouri)

"This research paves the way for potential use in humans," Perfield said. "Reducing belly fat is a key to reducing the incidence of serious disease, and this oil could have a future as a nutritional supplement."

To study the compound, Perfield added sterculic oil to the feed of rats that are genetically disposed to have a high amount of abdominal fat. He tested the rats over the course of 13 weeks and found that rats given a diet supplemented with sterulic oil had less abdominal fat and a decreased likelihood of developing diabetes. Perfield gave the rats a relatively small dose of oil each day, comparable to giving three grams to a 250-pound human.

Belly fat, clinically known as intra-abdominal fat, is between internal organs and the torso. Intra-abdominal fat is composed of "adipose" deposits. Unusually high adipose levels trigger health problems that may induce insulin resistance, which causes the body to have difficulty maintaining blood sugar levels. Initially, the body is able to compensate by producing more insulin, but eventually the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin, thus increasing excess sugar in the bloodstream and setting the stage for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other obesity-associated health disorders.

Perfield plans to conduct further studies of sterulic oil in hopes of developing a natural nutritional supplement. He says future research will focus on the effectiveness of the oil in humans, as well as any side effects.

"The oil from this seed is very similar to other vegetable oils," Perfield said. "It shares many of the same chemical properties, which could allow it to be easily substituted with other oils. While eating the seed directly may be possible, it's easier to control the amount of oil if you extract it directly."

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Will Graham: Satisfy Your Longing Soul in 2026

Top New Year's Resolutions: Americans Want More Family Time and Prayer in 2026

'Hero' Mom Jumps into Water to Save 4-year-old Daughter Who Fell Between Cruise Ship and Dock

ICYMI: President Trump Delivered a Huge Christmas Gift to US With Newest Pharma Deal

Facts Flip Voters' View of Trump Economy, Thwarting Media Misinformation

Over Christmas, the US Struck the Islamic State in Nigeria

People of Iran Keep Rising Up against Tyranny...

WA Somali-Run Daycare Took $210,000 In Taxpayer Funds in 2025 But No Childcare Business Appears to Exist: Report

In Light of Fraud Allegations, Trump's HHS Pauses Funding for Minnesota Child Care Centers, Implements Verification

'Children Do Not Belong to the Government': Federal Judge Smacks Down CA Gender Secrecy Policies

Fed Judge Rules Trump Admin CAN Share Immigrants' Medicaid Data With ICE

[Watch] Shocking Unearthed Footage Shows Parents Pretending to Drop Kids Off at a Minnesota Day Care Center

Minnesota Fraud Scandal Exposes the Real Crisis Facing the West

Buried for 2,000 Years: Ancient Mikveh Discovered Beneath Western Wall Plaza

A Christian Response to the Terror Threats that Loom over New Year's Celebrations

'Landmark Achievement': New Puerto Rico Law Recognizes Unborn Children as People from Conception

Tariffs to Transgender Athletes: SCOTUS Cases to Watch in 2026

Homeland Security's Staggering Accomplishments in One Year, Including Finding Nearly 130,000 Missing Children

Ex-Atheist Filmmaker Explores Scientific Evidence for God in New Movie

Women’s Group Files to Get ‘Transgender’ Men Out of Female Prisons in Canada

Steve Shultz, Managing Editor
Founder and Owner

Aimee Herd, Editor