Staving off hunger pangs is a tricky business and one that dieters often find the most traumatising parts of a strict diet, but now there may be a perfect formula for warding off hunger. Researchers at the University of California have found that oleic acid – an ingredient of olive oil, canola oil, avocadoes and soybeans – can help stave off hunger as it has the ability to indicate to the brain that the stomach is full.

Protein and "good" fats
Daniele Piomelli who led the research which focussed on the eating patterns of lab mice, says that protein also has a similar effect and the two combined could provide the perfect satisfying meal.

"If we can mix appropriate amounts of protein and fat [containing high levels of oleic acid], the net result could be very advantageous. You would consume less in a single meal ... and prolong the interval between eating."

Hormone control
Once oleic acid reaches the small intestine, it is converted into a hormone called oleoylethanolamide or OEA and it is this hormone which sends messages to the brain that the stomach is full. By replicating this process, medication in the future could be used to help obese patients curb their appetite, or by the same measure, to help underweight people gain weight.

Coconut oil
As has been proven time and again by Omega-3 advocates, « good » or heart-healthy fats and oils are just as important a component of a person's everyday diet as vegetables and protein.

Coconut oil in particular is one type of cooking oil that contains essential medium chain fatty acids (MCTs) which rather than being stored as fat, can be burned faster than long chain fatty acids (LCTs).