Chicory extract may improve abdominal obesity by regulating intestinal flora

Recently, researchers have discovered that chicory extract may also have beneficial effects on body weight and metabolism.

Abdominal obesity, also known as central obesity, is a condition where excess fat accumulates around the waist and abdomen. It is considered a risk factor for several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. While there are several approaches to managing abdominal obesity, recent studies have shown that chicory extract may be an effective natural remedy.

Chicory extract is derived from the chicory plant, which is native to Europe and Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, liver problems, and high blood pressure. Recently, researchers have discovered that chicory extract may also have beneficial effects on body weight and metabolism.

One of the ways chicory extract may help improve abdominal obesity is by regulating the intestinal flora. The intestinal flora, also known as the gut microbiota, is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tract. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and overall well-being.

Studies have shown that the composition of the gut microbiota can influence body weight and metabolism. Individuals with obesity tend to have a different gut microbiota composition compared to lean individuals. Specifically, they have a lower abundance of beneficial bacteria and a higher abundance of harmful bacteria.

Chicory extract has been shown to modulate the gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria and reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria. In a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, researchers found that supplementation with chicory extract for 12 weeks led to significant reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and body fat percentage in overweight and obese individuals.

The study also found that chicory extract supplementation led to changes in the gut microbiota composition, with an increase in the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, which are known to have beneficial effects on gut health and metabolism.

Another way chicory extract may help improve abdominal obesity is by reducing inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of several chronic diseases, including obesity. Inflammation can lead to insulin resistance, which is a key driver of abdominal obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Chicory extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers found that chicory extract supplementation reduced markers of inflammation in overweight and obese individuals.

The study also found that chicory extract supplementation led to improvements in insulin sensitivity, which is a measure of how well the body can use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is a key driver of abdominal obesity and type 2 diabetes.

In addition to its effects on gut microbiota and inflammation, chicory extract may also help improve abdominal obesity by increasing satiety. Satiety refers to the feeling of fullness after eating. Individuals with abdominal obesity tend to have impaired satiety signals, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.

Chicory extract has been shown to increase satiety by slowing down the rate at which food empties from the stomach. In a study published in Appetite, researchers found that supplementation with chicory extract led to significant increases in satiety and reductions in hunger in overweight and obese individuals.

Overall, chicory extract may be an effective natural remedy for improving abdominal obesity by regulating intestinal flora, reducing inflammation, and increasing satiety. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects, the available evidence suggests that chicory extract may be a safe and effective dietary supplement for individuals looking to manage their weight and improve their health.