Rejuvenation with broccoli

Signs of aging can be delayed thanks to the compound nicotinamide mononucleotide found in certain plants such as broccoli, cabbage and avocado.

Green cabbage: Illustration photo

According to a report in the journal Cell Metabolism, the compound called Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) can slow the decline in liver and eye function, bone density and metabolism. Not only that, the results of tests on mice also showed that NMN can prevent weight gain as the subjects age, even though they eat more.

NMN was found to compensate for the loss of energy due to the decline in production over time, which experts believe is a key factor in aging. Researchers at the University of Washington (USA) decided to test the compound on old mice to see if it could slow down the signs of aging, as well as readjust the metabolism to that of young animals.

After observing, the report's author, Professor Shin-ichiro Imai, said his team had found a way to slow down the physiological wear and tear processes in old mice. "That means old mice have a metabolism with the same energy level as younger mice," said Professor Imai.

Since human cells rely on similar energy production, the team hopes to translate their new knowledge into concrete methods to help people stay healthy as they age. As we age, the body loses its ability to create a key chemical needed for energy production, called Nicotinamide Adenine Dinulceotide (NAD).

Previous research has shown that NAD levels decline as mice age, and that injecting NAD directly into mice is ineffective. In an effort to improve the chemical levels needed, the team was forced to go one step further down the energy chain to find NMN.

When mixed into drinking water and fed to mice, the NMN compound appeared in the blood in less than 3 minutes. And it quickly converted to NAD in the tissues. However, the team of experts warned that the compound only worked on old mice and did not produce any effects on younger subjects.

According to TNO