Discovered in 2012 by researchers at Harvard Medical School, irisin, like the Greek goddess Iris to which it is etymologically linked, is a true messenger, a protein capable of communicating with tissues and organs, creating greater energy efficiency and a better state of health.
Irisin is released by the muscle in response to physical stress, when the body needs to adapt to greater work intensity; it is constantly the subject of attention by the scientific community for its multiple health benefits.
The first role recognized for irisin concerns the regulation of lipid metabolism.
Irisin allows the reduction of the amount of body fat by inducing browning, or the conversion of white adipose tissue (WAT), the triglyceride store, into brown adipose tissue (BAT), which ‘burns’ excess energy to maintain a constant body temperature. Irisin therefore increases the body’s energy expenditure, contributing to weight loss and improving metabolism.
Irisin stimulates the formation of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for the synthesis of bone tissue, strengthening the skeletal structure and contributing to the prevention of osteoporosis.
Recent studies associate increased levels of irisin with improvements in cognitive and mnemonic functions, indicating a potential neuroprotective role of irisin in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. These considerations scientifically confirm that the best school performances are achieved by students who practice sports regularly!
How to increase the production of this precious protein?
Irisin levels in the blood increase significantly during physical activity, especially with aerobic exercises and high-intensity workouts (HIIT: High-Intensity Interval Training), even in the short term, followed by recovery phases of lower intensity.
Even moderate physical activity, such as a brisk walk or a yoga session can stimulate its production.
The important thing is that the activity is regular and requires sufficient metabolic effort.
An active lifestyle is crucial to maintaining high levels of irisin. This further confirms how physical exercise is essential not only for maintaining physical fitness, but also for the beneficial effects on metabolic, bone and cognitive levels.