Safflower Oil: Weight Loss Food?

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 with diabetes.

Slimming Safflower
The small 36-week study included women who were diabetic, obese, and postmenopausal. 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. Use this BMI calculator to see how much you need to trim to be healthy.

Not Just Any Fat
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. Find out how to tell the good fats from the bad by watching this video.

Other Unusual Waist Whittlers
Get the skinny on these additional off-the-beaten-path diet tricks:

• Sip tea. Benefit from the special fat-thwarting powers of white tea.
• Make like a turtle. Here's why eating slowly can help you lose weight.
• Choose the right perfume. This fruity scent can reduce your appetite.

Start a real diet plan. This online version of the YOU Docs' best-selling diet really works!

Comparison of dietary conjugated linoleic acid with safflower oil on body composition in obese postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Norris, L. E. et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2009 Jun 17.