The Mediterranean diet has long been praised as one of the healthiest ways to eat. It is based on traditional foods from countries like Italy and Greece and includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, olive oil, fish, and beans.
Many studies have shown that people who follow this diet tend to live longer and have lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and memory problems. However, scientists have not fully understood why this diet is so powerful.
A new study led by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) Leonard Davis School of Gerontology offers a fresh explanation.
The study suggests that the benefits of the Mediterranean diet may come from very small proteins inside our cells. These proteins are found in mitochondria, which are often called the “powerhouses” of the cell because they produce energy.
The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, focused on two special microproteins called humanin and SHMOOSE. These are tiny proteins that scientists only recently began to understand. Even though they are small, they appear to play important roles in protecting the body from disease and aging.
The researchers studied blood samples from older adults who followed different eating patterns. They found that people who closely followed the Mediterranean diet had higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE. These higher levels were linked to better health, including lower signs of damage in the body.
To understand why this matters, it helps to know how aging works. As we grow older, our bodies experience more oxidative stress.
This is a process where harmful molecules damage cells, leading to diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that people with higher levels of these microproteins also had lower levels of oxidative stress.
The researchers also looked at specific foods within the Mediterranean diet. They found that olive oil, fish, and legumes were linked to higher levels of humanin. Olive oil and lower intake of processed carbohydrates were linked to higher levels of SHMOOSE. This suggests that certain foods may directly affect how our cells function.
One interesting discovery is how humanin may protect the heart. The study found that higher levels of humanin were linked to lower activity of an enzyme called Nox2. This enzyme produces harmful molecules that can damage blood vessels. By reducing Nox2 activity, humanin may help protect the heart and improve overall health.
This study builds on many years of research into mitochondrial microproteins. Scientists once believed that parts of mitochondrial DNA had no function. Now they are discovering that these regions can produce important molecules that affect aging and disease.
Although the study provides exciting insights, it also has limitations. It was relatively small and observational, which means it shows a link but does not prove cause and effect. More research is needed to confirm whether changing diet can directly increase these microproteins and improve health outcomes.
In reviewing the findings, it is clear that this research opens a new direction in understanding how diet affects the body. It suggests that healthy eating may work at a very deep level, influencing tiny biological processes inside our cells. However, more studies are needed before these findings can be used in clinical practice.
Overall, the study supports the idea that simple dietary patterns, like the Mediterranean diet, can have powerful effects on health. It also shows that modern science is beginning to uncover the detailed mechanisms behind these benefits.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
Source: University of Southern California.
