Hepatic triglyceride content (HTGC) and Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) are decisive risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases.

A study was conducted between middle-aged men and women, to assess the relationship between dietary intake of the main food groups with VAT and HTGC. Data from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study was used. In the existing cross-sectional examination, the primary results were VAT and HTGC. Investigators watched characteristic intake of main food groups (sweet snacks, and fats and oils, dairy, meat, fish, fruits and vegetables) and resolute the relation between intake of different food groups and VAT and HTGC.

Among women, a 100 g/d higher intake of dairy was associated with 2.0 cm² less VAT and a 0.95-fold lower HTGC. A 100 g/d higher intake of fruits and vegetables was tied to 1.6 cm² less VAT in women. Fruit and vegetable consumption had a negative connexion with HTGC, while sweet snacks were positively linked. Though the patterns were weaker, but were similar among men. Fish intake had no link with VAT or HTGC and plant-based fat and oil intake were associated with VAT after adjustment for total body fat.

So, dietary consumption of sweet snacks was positively linked with HTGC, and fruits and vegetables were negatively linked with visceral and liver fat content. 

Source: van Eekelen E, Geelen A, Alssema M, et al. The Journal of Nutrition 2019;149(2):304-13.