Can salad dressing help you keep the pounds off? New research suggests yes — but make your own with safflower oil and vinegar.
In a study, a small amount of safflower oil every day had a tummy-trimming effect in a special population of women who were diabetic, obese and postmenopausal. During the 36-week study, they ate 8 grams of safflower oil per day (about 1 2/3 teaspoon), with the exception of a 4-week break.
And the results? They lost an average of about 6 percent of their belly fat — all without changing their diets or exercise habits. Their lean body mass even increased slightly.
Safflower oil is rich in an essential omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid, which may have some kind of positive effect on metabolism. But larger studies will be needed to confirm the results. And keep in mind that all fats contain a decent number of calories, so if you add safflower oil to your diet, kick out another calorie source.
