Recent research from Japan indicates that pterostilbene, a natural compound in blueberries and grapes, may help muscle cells decompose stored fat. This discovery emerged from experiments involving cultured mouse muscle cells. Pterostilbene, an antioxidant present in various berries, has been associated with metabolic advantages, though its impact on skeletal muscle was not well understood until now.
The study, published on September 1 in the journal Food Bioscience, reveals how pterostilbene might reduce excessive fat accumulation by stimulating cells to break down existing stored fat. Factors like high-fat diets, lack of physical activity, and aging can lead to fat buildup. Too much fat in muscle cells hampers the body’s ability to utilize glucose and fatty acids, possibly contributing to insulin resistance.
“Our findings establish a scientific framework for developing functional foods and nutritional supplements that target muscle fat metabolism,” explained Takakazu Mitani, an associate professor at Shinshu University.
The researchers screened multiple food-derived compounds and found that pterostilbene significantly decreased fat accumulation without hindering muscle growth. It helps preserve the protein PPAR-delta, crucial for regulating cell fat processing.
This research offers an experimental basis for discovering other natural compounds that protect PPAR-delta. However, there’s a need for further studies in humans and animals to determine the potential effects beyond lab-grown cells. Johannah Katz, a Florida-based registered dietitian, noted the complexities involved when translating these findings to human metabolism, emphasizing the need for digestion, absorption, and effective dosage in human tissues.
While the study identifies a possible mechanism for reducing fat buildup in cells, it doesn’t conclusively show that consuming blueberries or taking pterostilbene supplements will directly lead to fat loss.
Katz emphasized, “Blueberries and grapes are nutritious for many reasons, but this study alone doesn’t prove that eating more of them will reduce fat buildup in human muscle.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for further comments.
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