Scientists at Western University have made an interesting discovery: a molecule found in sweet oranges and tangerines, named nobiletin, might aid in reducing obesity and preventing diabetes and heart disease.
The Experiment
In the study, mice were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet in combination with nobiletin.
The results showed that these mice were leaner, and had reduced insulin resistance and lower blood fats compared to those who received the high-fat, high-cholesterol diet alone.
Moreover, nobiletin seemed to reverse obesity symptoms in already obese mice and even regress plaque accumulation in arteries, known as atherosclerosis.
The Mechanism
Researchers suggest nobiletin might influence the AMP Kinase pathway, a regulator of fat handling in the body. This pathway promotes fat burning for energy and blocks fat manufacture.
However, the study indicated that nobiletin does not directly act on the AMP Kinase, yet manages to bypass this major regulator of fat usage.
While the exact mechanism of nobiletin’s action remains elusive, it’s clear that it won’t interfere with drugs that target the AMP Kinase system.
The Next Steps
Future steps include conducting human trials to verify if nobiletin demonstrates similar positive metabolic effects in humans.
If successful, nobiletin could become a natural and safe tool to combat obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The Wider Context: Preventing Diabetes and Obesity
Diabetes and obesity are intertwined global health challenges affecting millions of people.
While there is no foolproof prevention method, strategies to lower risk include a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and effective stress management.
Regular medical check-ups also play a crucial role in early identification and management of risk factors.
While preventing diabetes and obesity may be challenging, small lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in overall health and well-being.
The promise of nobiletin adds another potential weapon in the fight against these conditions.
The study was published in the Journal of Lipid Research, under the guidance of Murray Huff and his team at Western University.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease and calcium supplements could harm your heart health.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about when an aspirin a day to prevent heart attacks is too risky, and results showing daytime naps could help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
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