Brilliant Broccoli!

Broccoli could reverse the signs of ageing, a recent study has found.

13:07 29 October 2016

Physical signs of ageing could be slowed down by a compound found in broccoli, avocado and cabbage, scientists have claimed. 

 

In a new study, it was found that the compound, called Nicotinamide mononucleotide, slowed down the deterioration of the liver and eye function, bone density and metabolism. 

 

Researchers have tested the compound on older mice to determine if it could alter their metabolism that is expected in younger animals and if it helped to slow down their physical ageing signs. 

Study author Professor Dr Shin-ichiro Imai, from Washington University, St Louis, said: 'We have shown a way to slow the physiologic decline that we see in ageing mice.

 

'This means older mice have metabolism and energy levels resembling that of younger mice.

 

'Since human cells rely on this same energy production process, we are hopeful this will translate into a method to help people remain healthier as they age.'

 

However, researchers warned that the compound was only beneficial to older mice. 

 

Co-author Dr Jun Yoshino said: 'When we give NMN to the young mice, they do not become healthier young mice.

 

'NMN supplementation has no effect in the young mice because they are still making plenty of their own NMN.

 

'We suspect that the increase in inflammation that happens with ageing reduces the body’s ability to make NMN and, by extension, NAD.'