Pinto beans
Pinto beans - a good source of soluble fibre [image: xandert ~ via MorgueFile]

Soluble fibre fights belly fat

27 June, 2011

All fat, it seems, is not created equal. Unsightly as it is, subcutaneous fat, the fat right under the skin, is not as dangerous to overall health as visceral fat, the fat deep in the belly surrounding vital organs.

According to a new study by US researchers, getting rid of visceral fat is simple: eat more soluble fibre from vegetables, fruit and beans, and engage in moderate activity.

The study which involved 1,114 people, found that for every 10g increase in soluble fibre eaten per day, visceral fat was reduced by 3.7% over five years. In addition, increased moderate activity resulted in a 7.4% decrease in the rate of visceral fat accumulation over the same time period.

Ten grams of soluble fibre can easily be achieved by eating two small apples, one cup of green peas and one-half cup of pulses such as pinto beans. Moderate activity means exercising vigorously for 30 minutes, two to four times a week