(NaturalNews) A study appearing in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Proteome Research has given further insight into the correlation between calorie restriction and weight loss. While it is known that calorie-restricted diets are effective at helping people to lose weight, it has now been found that fat cell proteins play an important role in regulating bodily fat stores and extending life.
Dr. Edwin Mariman and his research team sought out to further understand the relationship between
fat cell proteins and
weight loss. Prior animal studies have shown that low-calorie
diets rich in valuable nutrients are effective at maintaining proper bodily
weight and lengthening
life span.
In order to understand how it works in humans, the team investigated the subcutaneous
fat cells of a group of obese people that followed a five-week calorie-restricted
diet. Besides the fact that the average participant lost over 20 pounds, researchers discovered that six fat cell
proteins in participants' bodies had changed their composition throughout the course of the diet.
The significance of the discovery is that fat cell proteins instruct the body when and how to
store fat. The composition change indicated that the low-calorie diet had actually restructured the proteins, signaling them to store less fat and to use it differently than before. Researchers believe the bodies of the study participants will now regulate themselves better, leading to better
health and longer life.
According to researchers, being able to observe the marked
changes in fat cell proteins will help verify the effectiveness of various methods of cutting calories to lose weight and gain better health.
Comments by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
Fat cells aren't stupid cells: They're actually quite intelligent. In fact, the fat cells of your
body may one day be called a whole new "organ." They exhibit remarkable adaptability and communication with other cells in the body.
The old model of thinking that fat cells are stupid like batteries -- just storing energy, then releasing energy -- is far too simplistic. What we now know is that fat cells
respond to their environment and adapt to increase the survival of the whole organism (you).
That's why fat cells alter their composition in response to changes in calorie intake. It's as if the cells are morphing into new cells that are better adapted to a calorie-restricted diet.
This is also good news for dieters, because it indicates that
you really can change your physiology by changing your diet.
Sources for this story include:http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/acs-hcd120909.php
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health researcher, author and award-winning journalist with a passion for teaching people how to improve their health He has authored and published thousands of articles, interviews, consumers guides, and books on topics like health and the environment, reaching millions of readers with information that is saving lives and improving personal health around the world. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2010, Adams launched NaturalNews.TV, a natural health video site featuring videos on holistic health and green living. He's also a noted pioneer in the email marketing software industry, having been the first to launch an HTML email newsletter technology that has grown to become a standard in the industry. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and practices nature photography, Capoeira, martial arts and organic gardening. Known by his callsign, the 'Health Ranger,' Adams posts his missions statements, health statistics and health photos at www.HealthRanger.org
Have comments on this article? Post them here:
people have commented on this article.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Email this article to a friend
Share this article on: 
Now Available from 
