The Surprising Connection Between Cold Weather and Brown Fat Activation
As temperatures start to drop during the winter season, many of us may find ourselves shivering in an attempt to stay warm. But did you know that this natural response to cold temperature can actually activate a type of fat in our bodies known as brown fat?
That's right. Brown fat is found in hibernating animals and is crucial in keeping us warm and healthy during colder months. So, let's explore this surprising link between cold weather and brown fat activation further and understand how it can benefit our overall health.
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What is Brown Fat?
Before we explore the connection between cold weather and brown fat activation, let's first understand what brown fat is. Unlike white fat, which stores energy, brown fat generates heat to keep our bodies warm.
This type of fat contains many mitochondria - tiny organelles that produce energy - giving it a dark or "brown" appearance when observed under a microscope. Brown fat is mainly found in newborns and hibernating animals as they need extra insulation to regulate their body temperature.
However, recent studies have shown that adults also have small amounts of brown fat, primarily located in the neck and shoulders, and it can be activated to help regulate body temperature.
How Does Cold Weather Activate Brown Fat?
Let's look at some physiological changes when exposed to cold temperatures.
Release of Norepinephrine
When we are cold, our sympathetic nervous system releases norepinephrine - a hormone that activates brown fat by signaling it to burn calories and produce heat. A study by J. Leppäluoto and colleagues explored the effects of long-term regular exposure to acute cold temperatures on humoral factors that may account for pain relief related to such exposures.