While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment
Brown adipose tissue (Brown Fat)
Brown adipose tissue (brown fat) looks different than other fat because it is dense with mitochondria. Beige adipose tissue is not as dense. White adipose tissue has very few mitochondria in comparison. Mitochondria are the energy-producing organelles in your cells.
Activation of brown adipose tissue increases thermogenesis, increasing energy expenditure, consuming triglycerides, and decreasing overall fat tissue.
Brown adipose tissue interacts with secretin to manage satiety (control hunger).
Brown adipose tissue is generated by irisin, a hormone that is triggered by exercise.
The more brown adipose tissue you have, the more metabolically healthy you are.
There is research ongoing to see if brown adipose tissue can be triggered by beta adrenergic activation through medication such as mirabegron.
Foods that might stimulate brown adipose tissue include: Coffee, curcumin, resveratrol (blueberries, cranberries, dark chocolate, pistachios, grapes, red wine), omega-3 fatty acids, capsaicin (poblano, cayenne, and jalapeno pepper), green tea, menthol, exercise, and cold temperatures.
Healthy lifestyle such as proper diet and exercise not only makes you feel better due to endorphin release, but also improves your metabolic health, longevity, and quality of life.
I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!
Jason Williams, D.O.