Research by Nestlé scientists suggests that future food and nutritional products could emulate the effects of exercise on the body’s metabolism.
These products would help maintain a healthy energy balance – achieved by balancing nutrients taken in with those consumed or stored – by using the same cellular mechanisms normally activated by exercise.
This would benefit those having difficulties remaining active due to lifestyle, old age, disease or disability, the world’s biggest food company said.
Scientists at the Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences examined how our metabolism is regulated by a ‘master molecule’ which controls the energy balance of the body.
The findings, published in the Journal Chemistry & Biology, could lead to the development of products to help those suffering from metabolic problems like obesity and chronic metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes. These problems can become more prevalent in older people who are less active.
The next phase of the research is to identify natural substances that can influence this molecular mechanism, according to Nestlé.
© 2014 - European Supermarket Magazine
