By Steve Blechman

A true revolution absolutely requires a paradigm shift that fundamentally contradicts previously held notions. The wildly held belief that all body fat is bad is currently being heavily scrutinized, due to the recent discovery of a different type of fat in humans known as brown fat. This type of body fat can actually burn off energy in the form of heat by a process known as thermogenesis, which can ultimately reduce overall body fat. This discovery has provided the requisite paradigm shift spawning a new revolution in weight loss that is the primary focus of the book Thermo Heat™ Weight Loss Revolution by Michael J. Rudolph, Ph.D. that includes the foreword by Daniel L. Friedman, MD and Eugene B. Friedman, MD. You can click the link to order on Amazon here published by Advanced Research Media, Inc. You can also get a free PDF version here

The body has two forms of fat: white fat, or unwanted fat that can lie directly underneath the skin, and brown fat, which often is found in the shoulder blade region or the neck. Unlike white fat, brown fat is the good fat as it can help burn more calories. The more brown fat you have, the more calories you burn.

Brown fat is packed with mitochondria loaded with UCP-1, the protein that uncouples fat burning with ATP (energy) production instead of converting the energy into heat via thermogenesis, making the mitochondria effectively the furnace of the cell. The emergence of brown fat as a readily available fat-burning furnace is revolutionary, but like any fire, it requires the proper kindling materials. The ability to get lean by producing extra brown fat, or enhancing the activity of existing brown fat, represents a promising way to burn fat and lose weight.

Several landmark discoveries and approaches to enhancing brown fat function are being explored at major research centers and universities worldwide, with great excitement. Brown fat research is a hot topic today (see my latest article entitled BROWN FAT BREAKTHROUGH! For Obesity and Diabetes).

In a most recent breakthrough study published in the prestigious journal Nature (August 21, 2019), researchers discovered how brown fat can help to protect against obesity and diabetes. The Nature study says, “Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA; valine, leucine and isoleucine) supplementation is often beneficial to energy expenditure; however, increased circulating levels of BCAAs are linked to obesity and diabetes. The mechanisms of this paradox remain unclear. Here we report that, on cold exposure, brown adipose tissue (BAT) actively utilizes BCAAs in the mitochondria for thermogenesis and promotes systemic BCAA clearance in mice and humans.” The valine catabolite-3-hydroxyisobutyrate (3-HIB) has been shown to promote accumulation of body fat and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Unlike leucine, which avoids insulin resistance by increasing mitochondrial-driven fat loss, valine does not encourage mitochondrial biogenesis. Impaired mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle is one of the major predisposing factors to metabolic diseases, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Leucine supplementation increases brown fat thermogenesis, energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity by activating SIRT1 activity. SIRT1 is known to “promote mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative capacity and prevent the mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle” (Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2014). Leucine may also prevent fat storage and promote weight loss during energy restriction (Nutrition 2006, Diabetes, 2007). These effects are in part by activating the SIRT1-dependent pathway, stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis, brown fat thermogenesis and oxygen consumption (Nutrition Metabolism, 2008). Mitochondrial biogenesis and SIRT1 expression in skeletal muscle has also been shown to increase life span in middle-aged mice (Cell Metabolism, 2010). As far as isoleucine is concerned, unlike valine, it has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity by increasing glucose into muscle cells (Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 2007).

On Monday, June 24, 2019 in the prestigious journal Nature Scientific Reports, a breakthrough weight loss/fat loss study was published entitled: “Coffee Exposure Induces Browning Features in Adipose Tissue In Vitro and In Vivo.” The researchers said, “It is the first study in humans to show that something like a cup of coffee can have a direct effect on brown fat functions.” British researchers from the University of Nottingham found that one cup of coffee containing only 65mg of caffeine can activate brown fat. Brown fat is an organ that is extremely metabolically active. It’s like a generator that produces heat, which helps burn more calories. We only have 50 to 100 grams of brown fat, mainly located behind the neck and scapula, as I mentioned earlier. Brown fat produces 300 times more heat than our muscles or any organ in the body! If we can increase the amount of brown fat or activate more brown fat cells, you will burn more calories over a 24-hour period. 

As I said in previous articles, I consider coffee the healthiest beverage on the planet. It is loaded with phenolic antioxidants, which have been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and living a longer life. There are over 200 studies that find drinking two to three cups of coffee per day is associated with a lower risk of death and heart disease compared to drinking no coffee. Also, coffee drinking is associated with a lower risk of many cancers, liver disease, diabetes and dementia. A study (Food Func, 2018, January 23) found that coffee consumption promotes muscle hypertrophy. The study showed that by inhibiting myostatin expression and increasing IGF-1, coffee increases grip strength. Another study (Nutrition Journal, 2012) found that coffee drinking not only increases longevity, but also elevates testosterone levels! There are so many potential health benefits of coffee! In a most recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on March 5, 2019, researchers found daily coffee consumption had a very positive metabolic effect on biomarkers of metabolic and inflammatory pathways in U.S. health professionals. Daily coffee consumption lowered c-reactive protein (CRP) 16.6 percent. CRP is a measurement of systemic inflammation. Also, daily coffee increased testosterone in men 5.3 percent. This study clearly shows that daily coffee consumption has a positive effect on lowering inflammation. There are so many potential miracle powers of coffee! 

Over the last few years, I’ve launched AML® THERMO HEAT, the most scientifically advanced brown fat and thermogenic supplement line ever developed! One of those products, AML™ THERMO HEAT® FAT BURNING PROTEIN, contains nutrients that have been shown to increase brown fat activation and thermogenesis, including whey protein enriched with 5 grams of the branched-chain amino acid leucine. Leucine is the key anabolic trigger of protein synthesis. Supplemental leucine by itself and synergistically combined with vitamin D3 and medium-chain-triglycerides (MCTs) can help prevent lean muscle loss especially during low-calorie, low-carb or ketogenic diets.

AML™ THERMO HEAT® FAT BURNING PROTEIN also contains nitric oxide activators that have been shown to activate BAT and thermogenesis. Nitric oxide and nitric oxide precursors such as citrulline have been shown to increase BAT and thermogenesis. Grapeskin extract has been shown to increase nitric oxide production. Polyphenols are being studied for their role in fat metabolism and obesity management. Folic acid also boosts nitric oxide availability, by increasing BH4 and decreasing homocysteine levels. Research has shown that folic acid can lower homocysteine levels, increase insulin sensitivity and lower fasting insulin levels in type 2 diabetes. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), grains of paradise (40mg - standardized for 12% paradol, a clinically effective dose) and BioPerine® black pepper fruit extract are all included for further activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and thermogenesis. Grains of paradise, a spice containing 6-paradol, like chili peppers containing capsaicin, activate BAT, increase whole-body energy expenditure and decrease visceral fat (deep abdominal fat) in humans. It also contains allulose, a natural, low-calorie, fat-burning, thermogenic sweetener. It is approved for low-sugar/low-carb or ketogenic diets. Allulose does not impact blood sugar or insulin levels.

AML™ THERMO HEAT® FAT BURNING PROTEIN is also rich in the important electrolytes potassium and magnesium, which are important when following a weight-loss diet. Each serving contains 750mg of potassium (from potassium citrate) and 100mg of magnesium (from magnesium citrate). A new study that was published in the journal Nutrients on June 2, 2019, shows that decreased body mass index (BMI) could be obtained by increasing dietary potassium to help encourage weight loss. The researchers in the study acknowledged, “It is notable that the increase in dietary potassium was a stronger predictor of weight loss in this study than such well-established factors as a reduction in sugar consumption and in overall caloric intake.” There is evidence that low dietary potassium intake may negatively be linked to obesity. A meta-analysis and epidemiological data reported that, “studies concluded that high potassium intake was associated with a decreased odds ratio for having obesity and the MS [metabolic syndrome]” (Nutrients, 2016). Low-carb diets enhance the excretion of important electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium. Low-carb, ketogenic diets have a diuresis effect, enhancing water and electrolyte mineral losses. Also, low-carb and ketogenic diets restrict the intake of fruits, which are rich in potassium. The best vegetable sources of foods rich in potassium on a ketogenic diet are spinach, nuts and avocados.

AML™ THERMO HEAT® FAT BURNING PROTEIN only contains 60 calories per serving. Also, unlike some other type of Keto Coffees that contain butter, coconut oil, or both, AML™ THERMO HEAT® FAT BURNING PROTEIN coffee does not contain butter or coconut oil! Butter and coconut oil contain large amounts of saturated fat and that can raise the level of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the blood and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Two tablespoons of butter also contains 14 grams of saturated fat and 200 calories! Some keto coffees contain 450 calories! Also, recent research has shown that coconut oil, unlike pure MCT oil, does not increase thermogenesis. AML™ THERMO HEAT® FAT BURNING PROTEIN coffee can not only enhance fat burning and prevent hunger in the morning, but it can also improve mental focus and is a much healthier alternative to other keto coffees.

Coffee has many health benefits and may help prevent certain diseases. Coffee can also help burn fat, boost lean body mass, improve cognitive function and exercise performance! Become a FAT BURNING MACHINE, take a scoop of AML™ THERMO HEAT® FAT BURNING PROTEIN with your morning coffee on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before a meal. It’s convenient, it mixes instantly, and no blender is required. We have two delicious flavors in Chocolate Fudge and Vanilla Cream – they taste amazing! AML™ THERMO HEAT® FAT BURNING PROTEIN† is an advanced, scientifically designed protein, amino acid and brown fat-activating beverage. As part of a calorie-restricted diet and exercise (aerobic and resistance training) program, it can help enhance fat loss and preserve lean body mass when following a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet. A healthy weight loss is one that enhances the reduction of body fat and preserves lean body mass while dieting. You will be pleased with the results!

References:

1. Takeshi Yoneshiro et al. BCAA catabolism in brown fat controls energy homeostasis through SLC25A44. Nature, August 21, 2019 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1503-x

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3. Sara Sloat. Weight Loss Study Reveals Coffee’s Role in Burning One Kind of Body Fat https://www.inverse.com/article/57059-coffee-brown-fat-caffeine-weight-lossInverse.com June 25, 2019.

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70. THE THERMO HEAT® LOW-CARB MEDITERRANEAN DIET: WHY IT’S THE HEALTHIEST & BEST DIET FOR 2019 by Steve Blechman, https://advancedmolecularlabs.com/blogs/news/the-thermo-heat%C2%AE-low-carb-mediterranean-diet-why-it-s-the-healthiest-best-diet-for-2019

71. The Thermo Heat® Weight Loss Revolution, by Michael J. Rudolph, Ph.D, including the foreword by Daniel L. Friedman, MD and Eugene B Friedman, MD.