Pomegranate Anti-aging Benefits May Boost Longevity by 50%

Pomegranate May Provide Incredible Anti-aging Benefits

New research suggests that pomegranate may provide incredible anti-aging benefits to boost longevity. Recent research at the Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology in EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland has demonstrated extension of lifespan in animals. It is believed that pomegranate provides an anti-aging effect different then any other mechanism previously discovered. When polyphenols in pomegranate were consumed, it was changed by certain bacteria in the stomach into a compound called urolithin A.

How Pomegranate May Boost Longevity

The compound urolithin A was able to enhance longevity by maintaining healthy mitochondria and extend life span in worms by 50%. It was also found to significantly extend exercise endurance in mice by 40%. Over time, mitochondria develop alterations that cause them to degrade. Urolithin A derived from pomegranate is believed to keep mitochondria healthy by inducing a process called mitophagy.

Pomegranate May Induce Mitophagy

Mitophagy is the process that maintains healthy mitochondria in the cell. Mitophagy is believed to enhance lifespan and longevity by keeping cells healthy and there is hope that these benefits provided by urolithin A will translate to humans. It is possible in the future that pomegranate anti-aging benefits may boost longevity by 50%, and may be used to treat chronic diseases as well as extend lifespan.

Reference:

Ryu D, Mouchiroud L, Andreux PA, Katsyuba E, Moullan N, Nicolet-Dit-Félix AA, Williams EG, Jha P, Lo Sasso G, Huzard D, Aebischer P, Sandi C, Rinsch C, Auwerx J. Urolithin A induces mitophagy and prolongs lifespan in C. elegans and increases muscle function in rodents. Nat Med. 2016 Jul 11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27400265