Talk about a lazy workout.
Researchers in Denmark have developed a new drug that mimics the effects and benefits of vigorous exercise without moving a muscle.
The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, claims that the drug produces the same health benefits as running a long distance at a fast clip.
Currently called LaKe, the drug has been shown in lab rats to flush out toxins and strengthen the heart.
“We have developed a molecule that can mimic the body’s natural metabolic response to vigorous exercise and fasting,” said Dr. Thomas Poulsen, a chemist at Aarhus University who led the research. “In practice, the molecule brings the body into a metabolic state that corresponds to running 10 kilometers at high speed on an empty stomach.”
After exercise, the body typically enters a period of inflammation where lactate and ketone levels rise.
In addition to promoting the release of appetite-suppressing hormones, this tip also removes fatty acids from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes and precipitating the body’s repair systems.
According to the American Heart Association, one-third of US adults have three or more risk factors that contribute to heart disease, kidney disease and metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
Lactate release helps maintain metabolic function. Meanwhile, ketones are produced by the liver and kick in any time the body begins to convert fat into energy: after long periods of exertion, during fasting, or when there is a lack of carbohydrates.
Researchers say that LaKe can safely and effectively control the amount of lactate and ketones produced by the body.
“It can be difficult to stay motivated to run many kilometers at high speed and go without food,” explained Poulsen. LaKe promises to deliver the benefits without the effort, which can be a game-changer for those with injuries or compromised health.
“For people with physical ailments, such as a weak heart or general weakness, a nutritional supplement may be the key to a better recovery,” Poulsen said.
LaKe will soon undergo human trials to determine its safety and efficacy. If successful, the molecule could be developed and marketed for humans.
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