Two or three servings of berries a day can turn excess flab into calorie-burning beige fat: Study

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Monday 22 Jun 2015 - 17:32 Makkah mean time-5-9-1436 Washington, (IINA) - A new study has found that two or three servings of berries a day can turn excess flab into calorie-burning beige fat. The new research suggests diets containing resveratrol found in most berries and grapes could help combat obesity, Daily Mail reported. Scientists at Washington State University in the US gave mice amounts of the chemical equivalent to an adult eating 12 ounces of the fruits a day. Despite a high-fat diet, the mice gained 40 percent less weight than animals not given the substance. The research, published in the International Journal of Obesity, showed that the mice were able to change their excess white fat to active 'beige' fat, which reduces weight gain by burning up calories. Other 'polyphenol' chemicals in fruit may have a similar effect, the academics believe. Lead researcher Professor Min Du said: 'Polyphenols in fruit, including resveratrol, increase gene expression that enhances the oxidation of dietary fats so the body won't be overloaded. 'They convert white fat into beige fat which burns lipids (fats) off as heat, helping to keep the body in balance and prevent obesity and metabolic dysfunction.' He added, “We are using resveratrol as a representative for all the polyphenols”. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, grapes and apples are especially rich in the compounds, he said. Twelve ounces amount to about two or three servings. SM/IINA