It's time to talk about one of the biggest silent threats to your heart: visceral fat. This type of fat, which you can’t see, sits on top of your internal organs, and is more than just an annoyance—it’s a significant risk factor for heart disease.
But there is some good news! A low carb lifestyle can help you target visceral fat and lower your risk of heart-related issues. Let’s break it down and give you some steps to keep your heart healthy.
Visceral fat is different from the fat you can pinch on your waistline (known as subcutaneous fat). Visceral fat surrounds your vital organs, like your liver, pancreas and intestines. Metabolically, it behaves differently, producing different hormones and contributing more to insulin resistance. While some fat is necessary, too much visceral fat can:
If you have excess visceral fat, you may be at a much higher risk for heart disease—even more so than if you have a high body mass index (BMI). That’s why targeting this type of fat is critical for your health.
Going low carb doesn’t just help you lose weight—it goes deeper, literally. Here’s how it helps: