Fitness Factoids: Volume 29
Arginine Improve
s Glucose Metabolism
A new study conducted by the University of Copenhagen has found that the amino acid l-arginine is as effective at improving glucose metabolism as prescription diabetes medication. For the study, researchers tested effects of arginine’s ability to regulate glucose metabolism in both lean (insulin sensitive) and obese (insulin resistant) mice. Both groups of mice were given a glucose tolerance test, a test that measures the body’s ability to remove glucose from the blood over time. To their surprise, arginine improved glucose metabolism in both groups by as much as 40%. Researchers attribute the results to arginine’s ability to increase the body’s production of glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1), a hormone that plays an important role in glucose metabolism. Those looking to naturally improve insulin sensitivity may want consider using glucose dispersal agents such as arginine or alpha-lipoic acid.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130909121954.htm
Olive Oil Helps Glucose Regulatio
n and Improves Cardiac Risk Factors
A new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that olive oil has the ability to positively impact glucose regulation and improve cardiac risk factors as well. In the population based study nearly 4500 people were randomly selected to participate in the program. Prior to beginning the study participants completed a lifestyle survey, underwent a physical exam, and were administered a glucose tolerance test. The results of the study show that people who consumed the most olive oil had lower risk of obesity, improved glucose metabolism, elevated HDL cholesterol.
http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/v67/n9/full/ejcn2013130a.html
Omega-3’s Help Prote
ct the Brain Against the Damaging Effects of Alcohol
A new study presented at the European Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism has found that omega-3 fatty acids have shown the ability to reduce the dangerous effects of alcohol o the brain. It’s been well documented that heavy alcoholism can lead to chronic inflammation in the brain that leads to oxidative stress and cellular damage. In the current study researcher tested the effect of DHA on two groups of cultured rat brain cells exposed to high levels of alcohol. Although both groups were exposed to alcohol, only one group received DHA treatment. The DHA treated group showed a 90% reduction in neuroinflammation and neuronal death. So, before heading out to the Olympia after party, it may be wise to supplement with a heavy dose of omega-3’s to counteract the inflammation that’s about to occur in the brain.
Exercise Can Add Years to Life
A new study published in the British Journ
l of Sports Medicine has found that exercise may be the key to living a long, happy life. The study, which was conducted by the University of Western Australia, followed approximately 12,000 Australian men over a thirteen year span. Researchers determined that participants who exercised at least 150 minutes per week added 2-3 years to their life expectancy as opposed to those who exercised less, or not at all. It was also determined that those who exercised regularly were less likely to suffer from depression or succumb to cognitive and physical decline as they age. This study seems to give new meaning to the old saying “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
http://pda.sciencealert.com.au/news/20131009-24779.html
Fructose Metabolism 
May Hold Key to Weight Gain
A study published in the journal Nature Communications has found that mice who lack the ability to metabolize fructose do not gain as much weight as normal mice. Fructose from high fructose corn syrup can be found in a majority of processed foods available in grocery stores today. And, it’s been speculated that over-consumption of dietary fructose is one of the major causes of the American obesity epidemic. In this study scientists from the University of Colorado gave two groups of mice sugary water that was 10% fructose for fourteen weeks. At the conclusion of the study the group of normal mice gained weight, had developed insulin resistance, and developed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as well. However, the group of mice engineered to lack the enzyme aldose reductase, a pancreatic enzyme that plays a critical role in fructose metabolism, showed reduced weight gain and reduced symptoms associated with high fructose consumption.
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
