AMES, Iowa – New research from Japan published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association suggests that switching cooking oil could help consumers pare off a pound or two, says Ruth Litchfield, Iowa State University Extension nutrition specialist.

A study of those using a diacylglycerol oil instead of their regular cooking oil for a year lost an average of 1.2 pounds without changing any other diet or exercise habits. In the study that included both an experimental and control group, both groups showed a similar reduction in their triglyceride levels.

Vegetable oils contain a small amount of diacylglycerol. Some studies suggest that consuming diacylglycerol instead of the chief component of these oils, triacylglycerol, may help reduce body fat and blood triglycerides. Tokyo-based Kao Corporation, which funded the study, makes a cooking oil consisting of 80 percent diacylglycerol. This type of vegetable oil is marketed as Enova® Oil by ADM Kao LLC.

“It appears that diacylglycerol may be metabolized differently than traditional triglycerides, the predominant form of fats and oils in the diet,” Litchfield said. “Unfortunately, this type of oil is quite a bit more expensive than traditional cooking oils. The online Enova store sells a 20-ounce bottle for $6.65; grocery store prices of Enova are two to three times greater than traditional cooking oils.”

Litchfield suggests the moderate amount of weight loss achieved could be achieved in a number of less expensive ways. “A 1.2 pound weight loss over the course of a year is the equivalent of a 4,200 calorie deficit — 11.5 calories per day.  This is the equivalent of 1 stick of gum, 1 gum drop or gummy bear, walking about 200 yards or even brushing your teeth for 15 minutes.”

In fact a survey published in the Journal of the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity found a correlation between being slim and brushing one’s teeth after every meal, Litchfield noted. “It is unlikely that the 45 calories expended by brushing your teeth three times a day for 15 minutes will ward off extra pounds. However, it is likely that people who take care of their teeth are more prone to be the type of people who also take care of the rest of their body.”

To learn more practical, inexpensive and easy lifestyle changes to control weight, join Lighten Up Iowa  (www.lightenupiowa.org). Iowans have the opportunity to learn about nutrition and lifestyle choices to promote a healthy lifestyle and maintain their weight. Lighten Up Iowa — the statewide, teamwork-driven wellness program — is designed to help participants learn how to incorporate health into everyday life. Lighten Up Iowa participants receive a weekly e-mail with tips on nutrition, physical activity and general health to "Change the Shape of Our State.’"

-30-