AMPK
How to lose belly fat? AMPK is known as a master regulator of metabolism, a metabolic activator.
AMPK has been extensively studied for its health-promoting properties, and its activity level influences body fat composition and how long you’ll live.
What is AMPK?
AMPK is short for Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. It's an enzyme (protein) found in every living cell and serves as a sensor of energy status and a nutrient.
This cellular enzyme (protein) has been referred to as a “metabolic master switch” and the link between metabolic disease, inflammation and longevity.
AMPK controls a range of processes that enable us to extract energy from food, store and distribute that energy safely through the body, and ultimately use that energy for everything from moving and mating to talking and thinking, and even to understanding these very words as you read them.
Like so many other systems in our bodies, cellular AMPK activity decreases — and an extra effort of activation is needed.
Benefits of AMPK activation
Reduction of abdominal fat
AMPK tells cells to burn fuel for energy rather than storing it as fat. Fat accumulations inside the abdomen represent real dangers in terms of health and longevity, and a major contributor to abdominal fat buildup is decline in AMPK.
Calorie restriction and vigorous exercise activate AMPK, likewise the drug metformin (but with gastrointestinal side effects). The good news is, research shows that AMPK can also be activated using natural compounds.
One study showed that abdominal fat deposits fell by 11%. Morover, in another study scientists observed a significant reduction in harmful inflammation, which can contribute to weight gain.
Powerful anti-aging effects
Apart from impaired metabolic function, the decline of AMPK signaling results in increased inflammation and reduced cellular housekeeping functions — all of which accelerate aging.
In short, activating AMPK is analogous to flipping on a “youth switch” that has the potential to slow down (and potentially reverse) some of the harmful effects of degenerative aging.
Studies show that activating AMPK may:
- Increase autophagy, cleansing of old and damaged cells
- Lower cholesterol, blood sugar and insulin levels
- AMPK can protect brain cells and blood vessels
- Improve metabolic syndrome and reduce the risk of weight gain
- Support healthy bone and cartilage structure
- Reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, type II diabetes, cancer, dementia, autoimmune disorders, and more
