Natural compound in blueberries and grapes may unlock fat-burning process in muscle cells

A natural compound found in blueberries and grapes may help muscle cells break down stored fat, new research suggests.

In laboratory experiments conducted in Japan, researchers found that the compound, called pterostilbene, reduced fat accumulation in cultured mouse muscle cells.

Pterostilbene is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in blueberries, grapes and other types of berries. While previous research linked it to metabolic benefits, little was known about how it could affect skeletal muscle.

POPULAR SUMMER FRUIT HAS AN EDIBLE PART MOST PEOPLE THROW AWAY, USDA REVEALS

The new findings, published Sept. 1 in the journal Food Bioscience, suggest that pterostilbene reduced abnormal fat buildup by encouraging cells to break down fat already stored in the cells. Fat buildup can result from high-fat diets, inactivity and aging, according to a news release.

A compound found in grapes may help muscle cells burn fat, according to new research. (iStock)

Too much fat inside muscle cells can interfere with how the body uses glucose and fatty acids and may contribute to insulin resistance.

"Our findings establish a scientific framework for developing functional foods and nutritional supplements that target muscle fat metabolism," lead researcher Takakazu Mitani, an associate professor at Shinshu University, said in a statement.

SEAWEED-BASED COATING COULD KEEP STRAWBERRIES FRESH FOR DAYS WITHOUT REFRIGERATION, STUDY FINDS

The team screened several food-derived compounds in the cells and found that pterostilbene caused the strongest reduction in fat accumulation without disrupting muscle growth. It appeared to preserve a protein, PPAR-delta, that helps regulate how cells process fat, according to the study.

Researchers studied a compound found in blueberries that may help muscle cells burn fat. (iStock)

The research also provides an "experimental framework" for identifying other natural compounds that protect PPAR-delta, Mitani added.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

While the findings provide a starting point for studying dietary approaches that could one day help address obesity, type 2 diabetes and age-related metabolic decline, future studies in humans and animals are needed to determine whether the effect translates beyond lab-grown cells.

Future studies in humans and animals are needed to determine whether the effect translates beyond lab-grown cells. (iStock)

Using a cell model "strips away the complexity of human metabolism," Johannah Katz, a registered dietitian from Florida, told Fox News Digital. 

"In people, pterostilbene has to be digested, absorbed, metabolized, circulated and actually reach muscle tissue at an effective dose," she said. "We also can't assume mouse muscle cells will respond exactly like human muscle."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

While the study identified a potential mechanism that may help explain reduced fat accumulation in cells, that is different from showing that eating blueberries or taking pterostilbene supplements directly leads to fat loss, Katz added.

Despite the mouse study, eating blueberries doesn't necessarily lead to fat loss, a dietitian told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

"Blueberries and grapes are nutritious foods for many reasons, but this study alone doesn't show that eating more of them will reduce fat buildup in human muscle," she said.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for comment.

Deirdre Bardolf is a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital.