LEPTIN

Let's learn about the delicate balance of our body: LEPTIN

The observation that fat tissue is not an "inert mass" as was thought but produces hormones, real chemical messengers directed to various "targets" in our body, which can thus communicate, dates back to the 90s of the last century. mainly to the Central Nervous System, the changes in fat mass.

Today we describe one of these: leptin.

In the case of too rapid weight loss, low-calorie and/or restrictive diets, low levels of leptin are observed which "alert" the body about an impoverishment of energy reserves, which responds by lowering the metabolism, increasing the sense of hunger and stimulating enzymes responsible for promote the storage of fat...all situations that favor the classic "yo yo effect" typical of unbalanced diets, which in the long run leads to numerous problems for our body (a well-known one is the autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid). The same effect appears in the severely obese: as there are large quantities of adipose tissue, leptin is produced, but the body becomes accustomed to it, with all the consequences explained above (more and more hunger, less and less active metabolism... that is, a vicious circle is established ).

These mechanisms at the metabolic level have been proven for some time, while recent neuroepidemiological studies (1) have suggested an association between serum leptin levels and cognitive performance in adults. In fact, most of these reported an association between lower serum leptin concentrations and higher risk of Alzheimer's disease: low levels of leptin in the blood are associated with a reduction in the volume of the hippocampus, involved in memory.

What is the best strategy so that leptin levels are not lowered or leptin resistance phenomena do not arise?

balance all meals with carbohydrates and proteins, right from the start of the day, from breakfast. Each meal must consist of one third carbohydrates, one third proteins and one third fruit and vegetables. Only in this way, by equally calibrating the level of macronutrients, is the absorption of sugars slowed down and the phenomenon of alterations in leptin and insulin flow is avoided. We must favor wholemeal bread and pasta, strictly without added processing substances, we must use exclusively whole grains without added sugars, avoid sweeteners. It is essential to wake up early and get to work immediately to be able to have a healthy breakfast, which must be the most important and rich meal of the whole day, composed of fresh seasonal fruit, a liquid base (hot or cold ), supported by a source of whole carbohydrates and a protein source. You can alternate using seasonal fruit with the peel, with wholemeal rice or kamut or buckwheat cakes with speck, sweet raw meat, or even ricotta with bitter cocoa powder, with a nice glass of coconut milk ; or it is a good idea to make a nice egg omelette with raw meat, some slices of wholemeal bread and some orange juice. Lunch and dinner must also be divided equally, never missing the source of fibre, consisting of vegetables (and fruit before meals) possibly raw, and taking care not to get too heavy at dinner, focusing more on the protein content . Furthermore, daily physical activity and hydration must be the basis of a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle.

Concluding:

Shiitake is a powerful ally of our intestine, as its prebiotic properties have long been established: the synergy with the olive powder therefore makes the product unique for intestinal wellbeing!

Bibliography:

• Annweiler et. All, 2019- Nutrients 2019, 11(3), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11030660
• Dalamaga, M.; Chou, S.H.; Shields, K.; Papageorgiou, P.; Polyzos, S.A.; Mantzoros, CS Leptin at the intersection of neuroendocrinology and metabolism: Current evidence and therapeutic perspectives. Cell Metab. 2013, 18, 29–42. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]