The Wonders of Black Rice: Unveiling the Power of C3G

Black rice is remarkable for containing a natural substance, cyanidin 3 - glucoside (C3G), which has the ability to shrink fat cells and enhance nutrient uptake in muscles. This article delves into the scientific basis behind these properties.

The Origin and History of Black Rice

The story of black rice dates back thousands of years in China. Farmers noticed that some of their rice crops had a black color, a natural genetic mutation, although its genetic nature was unknown at that time. Those who consumed this black rice reported numerous health benefits. As a result, farmers began to cultivate and selectively breed it.

However, these black rice crops had low yields and were highly coveted. During the Tang and Song dynasties, the rulers deemed it too precious for the general public and reserved it exclusively for the emperor and the aristocracy. Consequently, it was named "forbidden rice" or "emperor's rice."

The Science Behind Forbidden Rice - C3G Benefits

Forbidden rice contains C3G, an anthocyanin also present in blackberries and blueberries. The following are the well - established benefits of C3G:

• Enhanced Glucose Uptake in Muscle Fibers: C3G significantly enhances the uptake of glucose in muscle fibers, preventing its storage as fat.

• Workout - Related Energy Shuttling: When taken before a workout, C3G helps direct energy from workout nutrition directly to muscle cells.

• Adiponectin Regulation: C3G raises adiponectin levels. This hormone regulates glucose levels and increases fatty acid breakdown.

• Comparison to Pharmaceutical Agents: C3G shows favorable results compared to a pharmaceutical glucose - disposal agent.

• Fat Cell Reduction: It shrinks fat cells, limiting fat gain and abdominal obesity.

• Endurance Improvement: C3G boosts endurance by increasing the production of chemical intermediates involved in ATP production, the cell's energy source.

• Blood Parameter Regulation: C3G reduces blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol.

• Mitochondrial Enhancement: It increases the number and function of mitochondria.

• Brown Adipose Tissue Activation: C3G increases and enhances the activity of brown adipose tissue, which is metabolically active and burns calories.

• Anti - Inflammatory Effect: C3G reduces systemic inflammation.

• Gastrointestinal Health Promotion: It promotes the health of the stomach and intestinal lining.

• Vision Improvement: C3G improves night vision and helps prevent eye fatigue.

• Organ Health Support: It promotes the health of the heart and liver.

• Calorie - Restriction - like Benefits: C3G mimics the life - extending benefits observed in calorie - restriction diets.

The Biochemical Pathways of C3G

C3G and the Cellular Master Switch

C3G has a profound impact on adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK). AMPK, present in every cell of the body, acts as the body's master regulating switch, influencing factors such as body fat, muscle mass, and lifespan. At least one human study has shown that ingesting C3G increases the production of AMPK by a factor of 2.88. The increased AMPK levels then cause a significant up - regulation of a "transcriptional activator" known as PGC - 1 alpha. This up - regulation increases exercise capacity, fatigue resistance, and oxygen uptake, contributing to additional muscle mass.

C3G Mimics the Actions of the Most Powerful Hormone

Insulin is the most powerful hormone in the human body. C3G activates insulin receptor substrates, which in turn activate insulin - signaling proteins. These signaling proteins stimulate glucose uptake by skeletal muscle tissue rather than fat cells. Assuming proper exercise and lifestyle, this means that one could consume more food than the maintenance amount, and the weight gain would be in the form of muscle rather than fat. Moreover, C3G's insulin - like properties extend further. Laboratory experiments have shown two dosage - related drops in blood sugar of 33% and 51%, leading the study authors to note its favorable comparison with a powerful pharmaceutical glucose - disposal agent.

C3G Sends Fat Cells to "Fat Camp"

C3G also activates adiponectin, causing fat cells to function as an endocrine organ (similar to the thyroid or adrenals), regulating insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. When C3G increases adiponectin levels, insulin sensitivity rises, inflammation decreases, and fat cells release fatty acids into the bloodstream, resulting in slimmer fat cells and ultimately, a slimmer individual. The increased adiponectin also promotes the production of more mitochondria, the cellular engines. Controlling mitochondrial health and growth could potentially double lifespan without the diseases typically associated with aging. From an athletic perspective, controlling the vitality and number of mitochondria in muscle cells could lead to significant strength and endurance improvements that do not decline over time. In some cases, the increase in mitochondria causes the metabolically sluggish white fat to transform into the more metabolically active, calorie - burning brown fat. It also induces palmitate oxidation and citrate synthase activity, both intermediates in ATP production, enabling cells to function more efficiently.

Can I Just Eat Black Rice?

C3G from food sources has very low bioavailability. To obtain all the muscle - building, fat - burning, life - extending, and heart - protective benefits of C3G, one would need to consume large quantities of black rice and dark berries. Therefore, taking supplemental C3G is a more practical approach. A daily serving of Biotest's Indigo - 3G supplement provides 300 mg of this powerful anthocyanin derived from black rice extract.

How To Take It

• Before Dinner: Take 4 Indigo - 3G capsules on an empty stomach 30 minutes before the evening meal.

• Pre - Workout: On workout days, take 4 Indigo - 3G capsules 30 minutes before consuming workout nutrition to quickly enhance insulin sensitivity and ensure that the consumed carbs fuel only muscle.

The Ultimate Supplement?

There are many excellent supplements available. Some work by manipulating anabolic/androgenic hormones, some target specific muscle - building pathways, and others are powerful anti - inflammatories. However, no other substance appears to have as many diverse effects from multiple biochemical angles as cyanidin 3 - glucoside. Although the difficulty in extracting the substance from natural sources makes the Indigo - 3G supplement relatively pricey, its benefits make it a worthy investment.

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