Happy FAQ Friday :)
This week I was asked about mitochondria and overweightedness.
What are mitochondria? The powerhouses of the cell. They turn the food you eat into usable energy (ATP). 🔋
What do they have to do with being overweight? The more efficient your mitochondria are, the easier it is to stay energized and maintain a healthy/ideal weight. This also means when you're overweight mitochondria can become less efficient. (Think: tired engine).
🐌 This slow down can cause:
- less energy/tiredness
- slower metabolism
- inflammation (which can tire out mitochondria even more)
Scientists call this mitochondrial dysfunction, and it’s linked with insulin resistance and fatigue.
GOOD NEWS — mitochondria are trainable! 🏋️♀️
How to Support Your Mitochondria 🌿
1. Eat more colorful plants (e.g. greens, berries, beets) that contain antioxidants that protect your mitochondria.
2. Prioritize polyphenols (found in turmeric, olives, dark chocolate, green tea) which literally turn on mitochondrial repair.
3. Walk/move daily exercise tells your body to make new mitochondria.
4. Incorporate some whole fats (e.g. flax seeds, chia seeds) to help cell membranes stay flexible, enhancing mitochondrial performance.
5. REST!! Your mitochondria can only repair themselves if you're sleeping. Sleep is the secret sauce to everything.
Bottom line:
If you’ve been feeling low-energy or frustrated with slow progress, it might not be a diet/calorie problem but a cellular energy issue. Take care of your mitochondria and they'll take care of you 💚 Feed them plants, move your body, and sleep 💚
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