Energy metabolism, thermogenesis and food function

Abstract

White adipose tissue configures body fat, while brown adipose tissue (brown fat: BAT) is the only cell in the human body engaged in specialized in heat production. Loss and depression of BAT, which actively consume fat (triacylglyceride), have been shown to cause lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes associated with it. Food and nutrition ingredients play a dominant role in BAT thermogenesis and energy metabolism. Especially, some ingredients activate BAT via the transient receptor potential-sympathetic nervous system. These results are expected to apply on anti-obesity treatment. This article reviews the major advances in the field of diet-induced thermogenesis and food ingredients.