Should we focus on skeletal muscle?
Sources:
Focusing on skeletal muscle provides numerous health benefits, according to experts in the field. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon emphasizes several key points:
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Metabolic Health and Disease Prevention:
- Skeletal muscle is crucial in managing blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. Healthy muscle mass helps prevent metabolic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's 1 2.
- Muscle acts as a "metabolic sink" for nutrients, meaning it effectively stores and uses carbohydrates and fats, thus supporting metabolic health 3 4.
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Endocrine Functions:
- Skeletal muscle is an endocrine organ that releases myokines (proteins like interleukin-6) during contraction. These myokines have anti-inflammatory effects and play a role in modifying immune responses, which can be particularly beneficial for conditions like autoimmunity and rheumatic diseases 2 5.
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Physical Strength and Aging:
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Overall Well-being:
In summary, focusing on skeletal muscle supports metabolic health, disease prevention, immune regulation, and physical resilience, making it a key factor in overall well-being and longevity.
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