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Brown Fat vs. White Fat: What's the Deal?
Be on the lookout for more hype about brown fat. Brown fat had been believed to be present in infants when they are first born and then gradually disappears and/or turns into regular fat as age ensues and more muscle begins to develop. It was once thought that by the time you reach full adulthood, it is no longer present in your body, so it is unusual as an adult to still have brown fat. White fat retains calories, while brown fat does the opposite by burning calories.There is very little known about brown fat, however, a recent study by the New England Journal of Medicine shows that this special fat can help you burn more calories throughout the day. Brown fat's origin is derived from muscle and doctors believe that they can stimulate the growth in humans, as lab studies have proven that it can be increased in mice. Within the next decade or so, it is believed that a procedure might be developed for obese people to help them bring their weight under control. One of the ways it is believed that brown fat could be increased is by spending time exercising in cold weather. Further studies need to be conducted in adults. Until then my recommendation? Get out and exercise please. If we spent as much time exercising as we do trying to avoid it we will find that regular, intentional exercise can bring to us: - elevated moods and better outlook on life
- offsets the tendency to develop chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis
- easier time with weight maintenance
- strengthening of the cardiorespiratory system, which includes the heart, lungs
- better sleep at night, which includes falling asleep faster and getting more restful sleep
- increase of better circulation which in turn leads to a better sex life, less likelihood to suffer from erectile dysfunction
- being able to exercise more can lead to more enjoyment of the activity which, in turn can lead to wanting to try more activities, which in turn keeps you active!
Instead of waiting for that magic pill to arrive so that you may avoid exercise you may find yourself starting to enjoy it.
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