Visceral fat, also known as belly fat, poses a far greater health risk than the type of fat you can pinch. Visceral fat accumulates dangerously close to vital organs, such as the liver and intestines, so carrying too much of it can hike your risk of developing metabolic conditions, such as diabetes. The most effective weapon against the harmful belly fat is following a healthy diet.

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While it’s tempting to focus all your attention on certain foods, there are a number of drinks that contain hidden health risks so you should cut back on them if you are looking to reduce visceral fat.

One of the worst culprits is sugar-sweetened beverages, which are loaded with liquid fructose, a type of sugar that promotes belly fat.

Studies show that sugary drinks lead to increased fat in the liver.

One 10-week study found significant abdominal fat gain in people who consumed high fructose beverages.

READ MORE: How to lose visceral fat: A food group proven to burn belly fat and increase metabolism

What’s more, evidence suggests sugary beverages may be worse than sugary foods.

Evidence attributes this to how you cognitively process sugary drinks.

Since your brain doesn’t process liquid calories the same way it does solid ones, you’re likely to end up consuming too many calories later on and storing them as fat.

Another offender to watch out for is alcohol. Research has found that overindulging in alcohol consumption can also make you gain belly fat.

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Observational studies link heavy alcohol consumption to a significantly increased risk of developing central obesity — that is, excess fat storage around the waist.

One particular large-scale study illustrates the trend.

Results show those who drank alcohol daily but averaged less than one drink per day had less belly fat than those who drank less frequently but consumed more alcohol on the days they drank.

Which drinks promote belly far loss?

Apple cider vinegar has been shown to attack visceral fat.

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In a 12-week controlled study in men diagnosed with obesity, those who took one tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar per day lost half an inch (1.4 cm) from their waists.

Furthermore, it contains acetic acid, which has been shown to reduce abdominal fat storage in several animal studies.

Another drink touted for its visceral fat-burning properties is green tea.

Green tea contains caffeine and the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), both of which appear to boost metabolism.

Why does accelerating your metabolism aid weight loss?

According to Harvard Health, if your metabolism is high (or fast), you will burn more calories at rest and during activity.

“A high metabolism means you’ll need to take in more calories to maintain your weight,” explains the health site.

As the health body notes, that’s one reason why some people can eat more than others without gaining weight.

It adds: “A person with a ‘low’ (or slow) metabolism will burn fewer calories at rest and during activity and therefore has to eat less to avoid becoming overweight.”

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