Charlyn Fargo, Contributor
A STUDY published in the December 2005 issue of Obesity Research, provides more insight into why consuming dairy foods is linked to fat loss. Scientists at the University of Colorado found that when adults on a reduced-calorie diet exercised and consumed the recommended three to four servings of dairy foods daily, their metabolism changed and their bodies burned more fat compared to adults only consuming one serving of dairy under the same conditions.
FAT-BURNING ABILITY
Researchers measured fat oxidation, or fat-burning ability, using a metabolic chamber and found that the adults with higher intakes of dietary calcium burned significantly more fat than those who consumed a low-dairy diet.
Scientists suggest the reason for increased fat burning could be related to certain hormones in the body that regulate the breakdown and burning of fat. The calcium in dairy foods appears to suppress these hormones.
For an abstract of the study, go to www.obesityresearch.org/cgi/content/abstract/13/12/2102.
- Obesity Research Journal
