A new study out of Japan appears to have identified how pterostilbene, an enzyme found in fruits like blueberries, bilberries, grapes, and cranberries, could be helping to burn excess fat stored inside the muscles.
Experts have long known that pterostilbene is a powerful antioxidant that could offer several benefits including reduced inflammation and even DNA repair but this breakthrough study, led by Shinshu University in Japan, has cast new light on previous theories that suggest this enzyme could also be a vital tool for the war against excess fat.
Until now, little was understood about the way that pterostilbene (a naturally occurring polyphenol) might accelerate fat metabolism in skeletal muscle. But among the compounds tested during the study on cultured mouse cells, pterostilbene was hailed as producing the most dramatic reduction of “intracellular lipid accumulation.” And, while pterostilbene was shown to reduce fat within the muscle cells, the enzyme had no detrimental effect on muscle function, allowing for normal development and growth to continue.
How Does Pterostilbene Burn Intramuscular Fat?
Identifying ways of burning intramuscular fat is critical as experts link excess storage to serious heart health issues. Earlier studies have shown that high levels of fat within the muscles can lead to heart dysfunction, heart attacks, and preventable death.
According to the latest research, when pterostilbene was introduced to the muscles, it seemed to trigger the release of glycerol on the outside of the cells, a telltale sign that fat was being broken down. Cells administered with pterostilbene also showed fatty acid oxidation, suggesting that excess fat was being burned for fuel. “Our findings establish a scientific framework for developing functional foods and nutritional supplements that target muscle fat metabolism,” said Dr. Mitan, who led the new study.
Of course, fact that proteins were left intact by pterostilbene was highly positive news, since maintaining muscle while dropping body fat is a challenge faced my many, and is being especially highlighted by the popularity of Ozempic style drugs.
Still, with intramuscular treatment of pterostilbene only being shown to work on cultured cells at this stage, the next step would be to move to living tissues, to prove a safe, real-life response before it can be developed for pharmaceutical applications. Until then, you may want to keep a bowl of blueberries close to hand.
