LIFESTYLE NEWS - Belly fat, or visceral fat, is the most dangerous kind of fat because it can wrap around major organs, including your liver, pancreas, and kidneys. 

While anyone can have too much visceral fat, you're more likely to have it if you're overweight. As you start taking those pounds off, that belly fat that's hidden out of your sight will melt away too, benefiting your whole body. 

Fight it with food

Strict portion control, leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, and beans are all good for keeping away the fat that stays deep in your belly.  

The right amount of sleep

"Just right" seems to be about six to eight hours. If you don't sleep that much now, or if you tend to toss and turn, try to go to bed a little earlier, relax before bedtime, keep your bedroom cool, and try not to text and email right before you turn in. 

Keep calm

Stress can make you eat more fat and sugar, and unleash the stress hormone, cortisol, which can boost belly fat. Stress can also make you sleep less, exercise less, and drink more alcohol - which can add belly fat too. It's a great reason to take up meditation, work out, listen to music you love, or find other healthy ways to unwind and relax. 

Don't smoke

Smoking makes you more likely to store fat in your belly, rather than your hips and thighs. And that's bad. Oh, and it's also a cause of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and more. If you've tried quitting before, try again. Tell your doctor so you can get pointers on what might help you quit for good. 

Change your lifestyle

There are no "super foods" that burn off visceral fat. And you can't tone it away with specific moves like crunches. Instead, look for ways to upgrade your eating habits and add activity every day, or join a reputable programme to help you in your quest.   

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