New research, published in The FASEB Journal, suggests that a natural compound in mulberries, called “rutin,” can activate the Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) in our bodies to increase metabolism and facilitate weight loss. Mulberries are a product of the Morus alba tree. Its leaves, which also contain nutrients and are even used as food for silkworms, are thin, glossy and light green; the fruit, like grapes, is red or white and grows in bunches called “drupes.”
The research conducted by Wan-Zhu Jin, Ph.D & team, a researcher involved in the work from the Institute of Zoology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China outlined “Rutin treatment significantly reduced adiposity, increased energy expenditure, and improved glucose homeostasis in both the genetically obese mice and the mice with diet-induced obesity. Specifically, the researchers found that rutin directly binds to and stabilizes SIRT1 (NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1), leading to hypoacetylation of PGC1α protein, which stimulates Tfam transactivation and eventually augments mitochondrial number and UCP1 activity in BAT.” The investigators concluded the rutin improved metabolic functions in the mice. Scientists are confident similar remedies can be used to treat obesity in humans.
What Constitutes a Mulberry?
A Mulberry is very high in antioxidants, which help the body cleanse damaged cells which lead to many complications. It also contains large amounts of vitamin C as well as Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, really high levels of Iron, and Dietary Fiber which all help to give the body and mind incredible energy to live happy and healthy lives! It is also high in minerals like potassium, manganese, and magnesium and contain the B vitamins, B6, Niacin, Riboflavin, and Folic Acid.
The flavinoids and phyto-nutrients contained in mulberry are extremely high in anthocyanins which helps to fight against cancer as well as reduce aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and bacterial infections. The berries also contain resveratrol, a powerful blood flow increasing antioxidant which is a powerful healer for many conditions such as aging diseases, inflammation, and a number one go to as part of an herbal protocol for the treatment of lymes disease.
Rutin: How it acts as a ‘cold mimetic’ to activate brown fat ?
For their study Wan-Zhu Jin, Ph.D & the team added rutin (1 milligram per milliliter) to the drinking water of two groups of mice.
One group of mice was genetically obese, while the other group had diet-induced obesity. Both groups of mice were fed a regular diet throughout the duration of the study.
In both groups of mice, rutin was found to activate brown adipose tissue (BAT), or brown fat, which led to increased energy expenditure, better glucose homeostasis – the balance of insulin and glucagon to maintain glucose levels – and fat reduction.
Brown fat is activated by cold, causing it to burn energy and produce heat. According to the researchers, rutin acts as a “cold mimetic” by activating a specific signaling cascade, which increases the activity of a gene called UCP1 and the number of mitochondria in brown fat.
Recipes to TryMulberry Smoothie
Ingredients Directions Mulberry LemonadeIngredients Directions In a food processor (or blender if you do not have a processor) blend the mulberries. Stir mulberries into the lemonade. Pour lemonade through cheese cloth or sieve into a pitcher. This will remove the seed pieces from the mulberries. Refrigerate and enjoy. Store in a covered pitcher for best results and use within 2 days of making. |
