Longevity & AgingMediterranean diet raises mitochondrial microproteins that may shield the aging heart and brain
A new study from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology suggests one way the Mediterranean diet may protect the heart, brain, and aging cells. Researchers analyzed blood samples from older adults and found that those who followed the diet most closely had higher levels of two small mitochondrial proteins, humanin and SHMOOSE. Both have previously been linked to lower risk of cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer's disease. These adults also showed lower markers of oxidative stress, the cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Olive oil, fish, and legumes were tied to higher humanin, while olive oil and fewer refined carbohydrates were tied to higher SHMOOSE. The authors propose these microproteins act as molecular messengers translating food choices into cellular function, and could serve as biomarkers of diet adherence. The findings are associations, so they do not yet prove that the diet causes the increase or that the increase drives the benefits.
