The World’s Most Powerful Science Backed Ingredient.
In a dynamic, ever-growing world focused on improving cellular energy and metabolism, Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) stands out as the most exceptionally versatile and efficient cellular fuel source. BHB is an evolutionary and crucial molecule that surpasses any other cellular energy source in its ability to positively impact health, longevity, and performance, making BHB the gold standard for cellular energy.
REASONS WHY BHB IS THE GOLD STANDARD
BHB is the preferred energy source for the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. Its capacity to deliver more energy, more efficiently with less ROS (reactive oxygen species) than glucose distinguishes BHB as the gold standard of clean cellular energy. Here are the five key reasons that underscore its deserved title:
1. BHB when metabolized, generates more energy per unit of oxygen consumed than glucose. This means that cells using BHB as a fuel source can function more efficiently, producing more ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the cell’s main form of energy) for the same amount of oxygen. BHB retains its superior efficiency in comparison with other substances such as 1,3 butanediol or C8 MCT, or other ketone configurations. BHB is the most efficient fuel source, second to none.
2. BHB is considered “clean” because the way it is metabolized in the body results in less production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and harmful byproducts compared to glucose. High levels of ROS can lead to oxidative stress, damaging cells and contribute to aging and diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and heart disease. By reducing ROS production, BHB can help maintain cellular health and function.
3. BHB is not just an energy source, it’s also a signaling molecule. It can impact:
- Gene expression
- Activate proteins that protect cells from oxidative stress
- Anti-Inflammatory pathways
- Glucose and insulin regulation
- Appetite suppression for weight management.
By activating these protective pathways, BHB also helps to maintain cellular health and integrity, contributing to its reputation as a clean source of cellular energy.
4. BHB exhibits unique neuroprotective properties, enhancing neuronal health and cognitive function. BHB also plays a crucial signaling role in impacting gene expression and cellular processes related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and lifespan.
5. BHB can help to improve brain function by increasing the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a protein that helps to protect nerve cells and promote the growth of new nerve cells.
THE CRITICAL NEED TO SWITCH CELLULAR ENERGY PARADIGMS
Glucose, primarily derived from carbohydrates, was previously considered the body’s preferred fuel. However, with so many new studies on the effects of glucose as a major contributor to health issues, the scientific and nutritional authorities are taking a necessary in depth look at an alarming number of these significant glucose-induced health issues. They are discovering that the root of this glucose issue is that glucose is a “dirty” fuel, meaning that as it is metabolized in the body and produces cellular energy, it also produces very harmful byproducts. When glucose is metabolized, it produces a lot of free radicals: ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). These “free radicals” are unstable molecules that damage cells, reduce telomeres, prevent autophagy, help retain amyloid plagues, and several other undesirable metabolic and epigenetic changes. They can also contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. In essence, glucose catalyses the aging pathways, manifesting in quicker physical and cognitive decline.
Glucose can also produce and increase chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection. Chronic inflammation can damage cells and tissues. It is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. Below are some statistics that demonstrate the results of a glucose fed cellular energy state (i.e. a high carbohydrate diet):
- Obesity. In 1960, only 13.4% of adults in the United States were obese. By 2022, that number had more than tripled to 42.4%.
- Type 2 Diabetes. In 1960, only 2.8 million Americans had type 2 diabetes. By 2022, that number had increased to 34.2 million, or 9.3% of the adult population.
- Alzheimer’s Disease. In 1960, an estimated 600,000 Americans had Alzheimer’s disease. By 2022, that number had increased to 7.1 million, or about 1 in 9 Americans aged 65 and older.
- Cancer. The rate of increase in cancer cases from 1960 to 2022 has been on the incline. The overall cancer incidence rate in the United States increased by 20% from 1960 to 2019.
- Chronic Inflammation. The rate of increase in chronic inflammation cases from 1960 to 2022 has been steadily rising. A study published in the journal “Nature Reviews Immunology” in 2019 found that the prevalence of chronic inflammation in the United States has increased by 50% since 1960.
- Depression and Anxiety. The surge in depression and anxiety cases from 1960 to 2022 has been increasing. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in the United States has increased from 1.9% in 1960 to 6.7% in 2017. Similarly, the prevalence of anxiety disorders has increased from 8.3% in 1980 to 19.1% in 2017.
- Life expectancy in the United States has been declining for the past two years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2021, life expectancy at birth was 76.6 years, down from 77.3 years in 2019. This is the first-time life expectancy has declined in two consecutive years since 1998-1999.
- Brain Disorders. The rate of increase in brain-related disorder cases in the United States from 1960 to 2022 has been steadily growing. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the prevalence of brain-related disorders has increased from 10% in 1960 to 20% in 2022.
Adding all the health care spending from 1960 to 2022, the United States has spent $45.3 trillion on health care.
t’s a fact that the United States spends more on health care than any other developed country, yet our health outcomes are much poorer. For example, the United States has the highest rate of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
USHERING IN A NEW CELLULAR ENERGY PARADIGM – BHB
Embracing BHB as the NEW gold standard of cellular energy does not merely mean a shift in nutritional paradigms, it opens the door to a completely new framework and understanding of our bodies’ metabolic potential. As science continues to uncover the many facets and benefits of BHB, we have now been able to harness and design revolutionary products using BHB that will redefine health and performance optimization.
Using BHB as a product’s energy source will deliver transformative effects on health and wellbeing, whether used with or without a ketogenic or low carb diet, as BHB has been shown to be preferentially utilized by the body immediately when available regardless of glucose and insulin levels.
Here are the key areas in which BHB’s benefits have already been identified in being considered the Gold Standard of Cellular Energy
- Intermittent Fasting. BHB is the only macro-nutritional energy that can be taken during a fast and not break the fast.
- Weight Loss. The King of weight loss, by being the only molecule that can curb hunger, appetite, cravings, improve mood, promote fat metabolism, Lipogenesis, and spare muscle so fat loss becomes prevalent.
- Brain. BHB delivers superior energy metabolism in the electron transport chain, enhanced neuroprotection, reduced ROS, BDNF growth, synaptic plasticity, and altered gene expression.
- Stress and Anxiety. Nothing reduces stress and anxiety as effectively as BHB with reduced inflammation, increased GABA, improve mood with more energy, resilience to stress and improved sleep.
- Athletic Performance. Consistent, long term, reliable energy with less oxidative stress, enhanced mitochondrial function, reduced inflammation, enhanced muscle protein synthesis, improves the big 3 (Pre-work, Workout and Recovery).
- Hydration. There is nothing better for hydration than energy coupled to electrolytes for balanced, rapid absorption for perfect osmoregulation and fluid balance.
- Health, Wellness and Longevity. BHB stands alone in its ability to deliver on these three promises and reverse the plight of poor health, improve wellness, and increase longevity.
CONCLUSION
There is a critical need to shift cellular energy paradigms. The world MUST move away from “dirty” glucose to embracing the significant role Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) can play in supplying a new clean, superior cellular energy source.
The Gold Standard has changed and it is BHB.
Through a robust exploration of BHB’s various attributes including energy efficiency, its adaptive response in metabolic stress situations, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, its role in gene expression and cellular signaling, we have elucidated the preeminence of BHB in terms of cellular energy.
The ability of BHB to efficiently deliver more energy per unit oxygen used, compared to glucose, underscores its efficacy as a superior energy substrate. In situations of metabolic stress, such as starvation or intense exercise, the body’s innate proclivity to shift towards ketone bodies for fuel, with BHB being the principal ketone, emphasizes the physiological recognition of its superior performance.
Notably, BHB’s effects transcend beyond mere energy provision. Its role as a signaling molecule, influencing gene expression, inflammation, and oxidative stress, further cements its place as a critical player in cellular health and resilience. BHB’s neuroprotective attributes, particularly its potential role in alleviating neurodegenerative disorders, illuminate a broader impact on overall organismal health and longevity.
This need for a shift in paradigms reiterates that BHB is more than a mere metabolic byproduct, but an essential, multi-faceted agent essential to cellular energy and health. It invites us to rethink and even rebuke our current glucose-centric understanding of cellular metabolism and to acknowledge the vast new potential and adaptability embodied by BHB. This ‘gold standard’ of cellular energy underscores the potential for future research, including its implications for nutritional strategies, therapeutic use in metabolic and neurological diseases, and human performance optimization.
In the face of the current and bleak health scorecard and escalating global health challenges, understanding and harnessing the power of BHB as the gold standard of cellular energy could revolutionize our approach to health, wellbeing, and longevity. The compelling evidence provided herein makes a compelling case for continued and rigorous examination into the remarkable potential of BHB.
We invite you to read our BHB Functional Papers and discover for yourself all that BHB can do to help mankind and why it deserves a “front and center” role in all functional supplements where superior cellular energy can play a major role in improving your product offerings while improving the health of your customers.