Belly fat is one of the most dangerous types of excess fat for health, linked to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders.
One strategy many nutritionists recommend is adding lean protein to your diet, thanks to its ability to boost metabolism and aid in reducing body fat, including belly fat.
Protein is one of the important nutrients that helps the body maintain and build muscle, while improving energy metabolism. Adding lean protein to your diet not only helps increase muscle mass but also reduces cravings, thereby helping to control calorie intake and effectively support fat loss.
A high-protein diet can increase feelings of fullness for longer than a high-carb or high-fat diet. When the body consumes lean protein (such as chicken, fish, or soy foods), the digestion of protein burns more calories and encourages the body to use stored fat, especially belly fat, for energy. This helps reduce overall body fat and effectively reduce belly fat.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a high-protein diet, combined with exercise, can significantly reduce belly fat. The study found that getting about 25-30% of total calories from protein increased belly fat loss and muscle retention, especially during weight loss.
Additionally, consuming lean protein helps reduce the risk of muscle loss when losing weight. While losing weight, the body can lose both fat and muscle, but a diet rich in lean protein can help preserve muscle while reducing excess fat, including belly fat, helping to maintain a healthy and fit body.
However, it is important to note that lean protein supplements will not work wonders without a healthy diet and regular exercise. For maximum belly fat loss, it is important to combine a high-protein diet with aerobic and resistance training.
