The Skinny on Olive Oil & Vinegar: The Ultimate Fat-Burning Combo
The combination of olive oil & vinegar is more than just a healthy alternative for salad dressing. The combo also serves as a potent fat-loss elixir. Maybe they can’t be mixed together in a bottle, but olive oil and vinegar can both be part of your fat-blasting concoction for toned thighs, a shapelier butt and a flatter tummy.
Olive oil is primarily made up of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) which promote heart health by decreasing ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol without reducing ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. Studies have found that a moderate intake of monounsaturated fats, especially olive oil, helps with weight loss.
Research indicates that substituting MUFA-rich olive oil for saturated fat can result in eating less and better weight management. Several other studies have suggested that monounsaturated fat enhances the body’s breakdown of stored fat.
Olive oil is metabolized differently than other fats, as olive oil is more rapidly converted for energy use compared to fats such as vegetable oil. So you may want to ditch the Crisco for some extra-virgin olive oil if you want to enhance fat loss.
Vinegar has held high praises for its health properties since ancient times. Japanese researchers have discovered that the main component in vinegar, acetic acid (AcOH), has potent effects on fat metabolism. The study found that AcOH regulates genes involved in glucose metabolism or lipogenesis (the formation of fat), resulting in a suppression of body fat buildup. The results of the study suggest that AcOH suppresses body fat accumulation by increasing fatty oxidation and thermogenesis (elevated calorie burning).
So just because the dynamic duo of olive oil & vinegar has potent effects on fat metabolism, doesn’t mean you can go crazy and pour a bottle on your salad thinking it’s going to transform you into a fitness model overnight. Although a few small servings may enhance your weight loss, the key ingredients are adding healthy eating and exercise to your daily routine.