While this may sound straight from a science fiction story, you will be surprised to hear that researchers have found certain compounds that could help improve our body metabolism, boost our energies, and improve insulin sensitivity; it can be consumed because of its anti-aging properties, too. And its all available for you and me.
At Washington University of Medicine in St. Louise; studies have shown that intake of a certain compound called nicotinamide mononucleotide or NMN. They’re naturally produced by our bodies, has an anti-aging effect on animals.
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Because of this success, researchers are aiming for human trials; because they are more inclined and more realistic compared to being tested with mice and other experimental creatures.
Improved Metabolism
The animal study, which was published on Cell Metabolism, was conducted on mice by the said University. It showed that older mice that drank the water infused with NMN improved their metabolism and energy reserves.
Naturally, the younger ones were not affected by the supplement. This is because NMN production declines as we grow older. As a result, the older mice gained more than the younger mice as they needed the supplement more than the younger ones.
And where do we find NMN? You guessed that right – fruits and vegetables. NMN is naturally found and easily obtained in our nearby market. It could already be in your diet. Such fruits and vegetables that contain NMN are avocados, broccoli, cabbage, edamame and cucumber.
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While this may seem like a life hack for a fountain of youth; the amount of NMN the mice had intaken was much higher that what we can obtain from fruits and vegetables. Though we cannot reproduce the same effects the mice had in the studies; having these foods in our diet could still help us in getting closer to the younger look we aim.
Eating Vegetables
Shin-ichiro Imai, MD, PhD, a professor at Washington University School of Medicine, and the author of the study says that eating veggies has a compounding effect on our bodies.
Eating these veggies might have some accumulative effect on the neuro-body connection.”
Unlike in the movies, these fruits and vegetables will not instantly make us younger in one go. It will still take a while to have its effects on us and reap the anti-aging benefits. It is still recommended that we eat fruits and vegetables regularly; which is about a quarter or even half of your daily meal intake.
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Let’s take a look at what experts have to say on getting a sip from that fountain and the other beneficial substances we can get from fruits and vegetables.
NMN-Containing Foods
In the mentioned study above, the control group of mice actually ate less food than the mice that drank the NMN infused water. However, the control group gained more weight.
While eating these fruits and vegetables will not be an instant solution for our weight loss, it is still worth including tomatoes, avocados, broccoli, edamame and cucumber in our daily diet.
Consuming food groups that contain abundant amounts of NMN would help in our journey of slowing aging down; and it’s never wrong for us to eat or consume it.
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B Vitamin–Containing Foods
NMN is derived from niacin, also known as vitamin B3. Kristi King, RDN, MPH, and an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson, said that all that we know about these B vitamins are relevant for the production of energy in our bodies.
All of the B vitamins are important for energy, which includes giving us energy as well as boosting cell metabolism energy.”
Some of the niacin-rich foods include mushroom, peanuts, avocados, green peas and green tea. Benefits of vitamin B3 include regulates digestion, improves our skin and reduces symptoms of arthritis.
Carotenoid-Containing Foods
Phytonutrients found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables like squash, oranges, carrots and orange bell peppers can help improve on our skin’s vibrancy and prevent collagen breakdown, says Torey Armul, MS, RD, LDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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Some antioxidant-rich fruits can improve our skin and make it look youthful. In an animal study, an antioxidant called ellagic acid has been found to decrease collagen breakdown. To name a few, ellagic acid can be found in Strawberries, grapes and guavas.
Omega-3–Containing Foods
Omega 3 is the good kind of fat that benefits our body. King says that eating foods that are filled with Omega 3 isn’t just good for the heart, it can also slow down aging.
In the aging process, usually you see an uptick in inflammation, but eating foods rich in omega-3s can help prevent that.”
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Good fats found in almonds, seeds, fatty fish, and olive oil all help reduce inflammation or the unwanted bulging of our bodies. Other benefits of omega-3 includes:
- Improved eye health;
- Lesser and fewer chances of developing mental disorders;
- C****r prevention; and
- A good way to fight against heart disease, mental decline, depression and anxiety
Omega-3 is truly something we should be taking in more than we should; and it’s more than just something we can use for our hearts. It’s also one of the main components and main ingredients in the promotion of keeping everything healthy and better.
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A Mediterranean Diet
Research shows that people who stick to a Mediterranean diethave a better change to prevent cognitive decline and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease as they grow older.
It is a diet that is based on the 1960’s diet of countries near the Mediterranean sea such as Greece, Italy and Spain. From its term alone, the mediterranean diet is the kind of diet that many people wish to stick to because it guarantees making everyone slim and healthy.
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A Mediterranean diet would include main components such as daily vegetable consumption; such as olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and moderate amounts of wine are the most suitable source for a better brain function.
What’s Included in a Mediterranean Diet?
The usual main components that a Mediterranean diet would include are:
- Fish, poultry, beans, and eggs (on a weekly basis);
- Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats (on a daily basis);
- Red meat (limited intake; usually at least once a week);
- Dairy Product (moderate portions)
Following a Mediterranean diet can never guarantee a slower aging pattern; but what it can give you an assurance of is that you will be healthy and better.
With all the components that make up the best and the most effective anti-aging diet, what’s your best bet? What do you think will you eat the most?
What do you think about the anti-aging foods that you can eat for the promotion of your health? Do you believe that all of these given components and foods can help in the anti-aging process?
Source/s: Prevention
