Scientists at Western University have discovered that a molecule present in sweet oranges and tangerines, called nobiletin, may help reduce obesity, and prevent diabetes, and heart disease.
In the study, researchers fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet to mice, along with nobiletin.
They found that the mice that received nobiletin were leaner and had reduced levels of insulin resistance and blood fats compared to the mice that were fed the high-fat, high-cholesterol diet alone.
The researchers also observed that nobiletin could reverse the negative symptoms of obesity in mice that had already developed them, and even regress plaque build-up in the arteries, which is known as atherosclerosis.
The researchers suggest that nobiletin may act on the pathway that regulates how fat is handled in the body, known as AMP Kinase.
This regulator turns on the machinery in the body that burns fats to create energy and blocks the manufacture of fats.
However, the study showed that nobiletin is not acting on AMP Kinase and is bypassing this major regulator of how fat is used in the body.
Although the mechanism by which nobiletin works is not yet fully understood, the study shows that it won’t interfere with other drugs that act on the AMP Kinase system, which is clinically important.
The next step is to move these studies into human trials to determine if nobiletin has the same positive metabolic effects in humans.
If successful, nobiletin could potentially be used as a natural and safe way to combat obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
How to prevent diabetes and obesity
Diabetes and obesity are two interconnected health concerns that affect millions of people around the world.
While there is no definitive way to prevent these conditions, there are steps you can take to lower your risk and improve your overall health.
One of the most important things you can do is maintain a healthy diet. This means eating a balanced mix of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Avoiding sugary drinks and processed foods is also key, as these can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes.
Regular physical activity is also crucial for preventing diabetes and obesity. Exercise not only burns calories, but it also helps improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week.
Another important factor is getting enough sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes, so it’s important to aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
Stress management is also important for preventing diabetes and obesity.
Chronic stress can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, so finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature, can be beneficial.
It’s also important to avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake, as both of these can increase your risk of diabetes and other health problems.
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can also help you stay on top of your health and identify any potential risk factors early on.
While preventing diabetes and obesity may not always be easy, making small changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.
The study was published in the Journal of Lipid Research and was conducted by Murray Huff and his team at Western University.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about the key cause of type 2 diabetes, and this eating habit could help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about unhealthy plant-based diets linked to metabolic syndrome, and results showing ultrasound may help reverse type 2 diabetes.
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