Natural Compound in Berries May Aid in Fat Breakdown

Recent research from Japan suggests a natural compound found in blueberries and grapes may assist muscle cells in breaking down stored fat. The compound, pterostilbene, was shown to reduce fat accumulation in cultured mouse muscle cells in laboratory experiments.

Pterostilbene is an antioxidant present in blueberries, grapes, and other berries. While it has been previously associated with metabolic benefits, its impact on skeletal muscle was less understood. The new findings, published on September 1 in the journal Food Bioscience, indicate that pterostilbene encourages cells to break down existing fat, reducing abnormal fat accumulation that can result from high-fat diets, inactivity, and aging.

Excessive fat within muscle cells can disrupt the body’s ability to process glucose and fatty acids, potentially leading to insulin resistance. “Our findings establish a scientific framework for developing functional foods and nutritional supplements that target muscle fat metabolism,” said lead researcher Takakazu Mitani, an associate professor at Shinshu University.

The research team screened various food-derived compounds. Pterostilbene was the most effective in reducing fat accumulation without affecting muscle growth. It preserved the protein PPAR-delta, crucial for fat processing in cells, as noted in the study.

The study also lays the groundwork for finding other natural compounds that protect PPAR-delta, according to Mitani.

While the research provides a basis for exploring dietary approaches to combat obesity, type 2 diabetes, and age-related metabolic issues, further studies in humans and animals are necessary to confirm if these effects apply beyond lab-grown cells. “In people, pterostilbene must be digested, absorbed, metabolized, and circulated effectively to reach muscle tissue,” Johannah Katz, a registered dietitian from Florida, mentioned. “We can’t assume mouse muscle cells will react identically to human cells.”

Although the study identified a mechanism that may reduce fat accumulation in cells, consuming blueberries or pterostilbene isn’t proven to lead directly to fat loss. “Blueberries and grapes offer nutritional value, but this study doesn’t directly show that they will reduce fat buildup in human muscle,” Katz explained.