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

Museum of the Bible to Feature Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit in Capitol Hill Outreach Event

'Federal Fumbles' Report: 5 Revelations; from Trans Animal Experiments to Minnesota Fraud Schemes

Schumer Pushes Legislation to Shield pride Flag with US Flag-Level Protections

Rep. Randy Fine Sets The Internet Ablaze with His Response to Muslim NYC Activist Calling for Banning Dogs, Calling Them 'Unclean'

Vatican Turns Down Trump's Invitation to Board of Peace

War With Iran 'Imminent'? Trump Could Give the 'Go' Order at Any Time

China Biowarfare No Longer 'Far-Off Threat', Biolab Found in US Neighborhood

Prayer Alert: SCOTUS Decisions to Be Issued This Week, What Could Be Released

'They Want to Serve Women': Pregnancy Centers Now Offering Full Medical Care

Meta, YouTube on Trial Over Claims They Engineered Child Addiction

Jesse Jackson Dead at 84; Trump Remembers Him as a 'Good Man,' 'Force of Nature'

US-Iran Talks Resume in Geneva as Both Sides Display Military Power; Israel Issues Gaza Ultimatum

They Burned the Church With the Pastor Inside; and the World Moved On

FTC Probes American Association of Pediatrics, WPATH over Gender Transition Procedures for Minors

Rhode Island Hockey Game Shooter Identified as 'Transgender'

New Yorkers Wake to the Islamic Call to Prayer: '...They Don't Need Planes Anymore ... New York Is Falling, One Amplified 'allahu akbar' at a Time' [Videos]

Seahawks GM Threw Surprise Jesus Figurines into the Crowd during the Super Bowl Parade

Holy Spirit Outpouring Breaks Out on Florida Campus as Students Turn to Non-Stop Worship

Dr. Alveda King: Stay the Course

Antifa Faces First Trial after Being Classified as Domestic Terrorism

Steve Shultz, Managing Editor
Founder and Owner

Aimee Herd, Editor