A natural compound found in blueberries and grapes may assist muscle cells in breaking down stored fat, according to recent research. Studies conducted in Japan revealed pterostilbene’s effect on cultured mouse muscle cells, where it reduced fat buildup.
Pterostilbene is an antioxidant present in blueberries, grapes, and various berries. Previous studies reported its metabolic benefits, but its impact on skeletal muscle was less understood.
The new research, published on September 1 in the journal Food Bioscience, indicates that pterostilbene promotes cells to break down already stored fat, reducing abnormal fat accumulation. Excess fat inside muscle cells can disrupt the body’s use of glucose and fatty acids, potentially leading to insulin resistance.
Lead researcher Takakazu Mitani, an associate professor at Shinshu University, emphasized the importance of these findings. “Our study provides a scientific framework for developing functional foods and supplements aimed at muscle fat metabolism,” Mitani stated.
The research team reviewed several food-derived compounds and found pterostilbene to be the most effective in reducing fat accumulation, preserving muscle growth, and safeguarding the protein PPAR-delta. This protein plays a role in regulating cell fat processing.
The study offers an experimental basis for recognizing other natural compounds that may defend PPAR-delta, according to Mitani.
Although these laboratory results hint at dietary options to combat obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic decline, further studies involving humans and animals are vital. The complexity of human metabolism presents challenges not captured by working solely with cell models.
According to Johannah Katz, a Florida-based dietitian, consuming pterostilbene involves multiple processes in humans. Digestion, absorption, metabolism, and circulation must deliver an effective dose to muscle tissue. She pointed out that outcomes seen in mouse muscle cells might not replicate precisely in humans.
While the study proposes a mechanism for reduced fat buildup, it falls short of demonstrating direct fat loss due to consuming blueberries or pterostilbene supplements, Katz explained.
Even though blueberries and grapes are nutritious, the findings do not conclusively show that eating more leads to fat reduction in human muscles.