Scientists have found that as we age, our mitochondria gradually decline and produce less energy. This can lead to age-related diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, and more.
Urolithin A
Urolithin A is a natural metabolite with antioxidant and antiproliferative effects. Nutritionists from Nova Southeastern University in the United States have discovered that using urolithin A as a dietary intervention can delay the aging process and prevent the development of age-related diseases.
Urolithin A (UA) is produced by our gut bacteria after consuming polyphenols found in foods such as pomegranates, strawberries, and walnuts. UA supplementation to middle-aged mice activates sirtuins and increases NAD+ and cellular energy levels. Importantly, UA has been shown to clear damaged mitochondria from human muscles, thereby improving strength, fatigue resistance, and athletic performance. Therefore, UA supplementation may extend lifespan by counteracting muscle aging.
Urolithin A does not come directly from diet, but compounds such as ellagic acid and ellagitannins contained in nuts, pomegranates, grapes and other berries will produce urolithin A after being metabolized by intestinal microorganisms.
Spermidine
Spermidine is a natural form of a polyamine that has received attention in recent years for its potential to extend lifespan and increase healthspan. Like NAD+ and CoQ10, spermidine is a naturally occurring molecule that decreases with age. Similar to UA, spermidine is produced by our gut bacteria and triggers mitophagy – the removal of unhealthy, damaged mitochondria. Mouse studies show that spermidine supplementation may protect against heart disease and female reproductive aging. Additionally, dietary spermidine (found in a variety of foods including soy and grains) improved memory in mice. More research is needed to determine whether these findings can be replicated in humans.
The normal aging process reduces the concentration of natural forms of spermidine in the body, according to research published in Scientific Reports by researchers at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan. However, this phenomenon has not been observed in centenarians;
Spermidine can promote autophagy.
Foods with high spermidine content include: whole wheat foods, kelp, shiitake mushrooms, nuts, bracken, purslane, etc.
curcumin
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Experimental biologists from the Polish Academy of Sciences have discovered that curcumin can reduce the symptoms of aging and delay the progression of age-related diseases in which senescent cells are directly involved, thereby extending lifespan.
In addition to turmeric, foods high in curcumin include: ginger, garlic, onions, black pepper, mustard and curry.
NAD+ supplements
Where there are mitochondria, there is NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule necessary for maximizing energy production. NAD+ naturally declines with age, which seems consistent with age-related decline in mitochondrial function. This is one of the reasons why NAD+ boosters such as NR (Nicotinamide Ribose) were developed to restore NAD+ levels.
Research shows that by promoting NAD+, NR can enhance mitochondrial energy production and prevent age-related stress. NAD+ precursor supplements may improve muscle function, brain health, and metabolism while potentially fighting neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, they reduce weight gain, improve insulin sensitivity, and normalize lipid levels, such as lowering LDL cholesterol.
Post time: Jul-24-2024
