Broccoli, cabbage and avocado key to slowing down ageing

SIGNS of ageing can be reduced by a compound found in broccoli, cabbage and avocado, a study shows.

Experiments on older mice given the nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) compound slowed their physical ageing and gave them the metabolism of much younger mice.

Human health hinges on how well the body manufactures and uses energy but, as we age, the cells’ ability to produce energy declines.

While scientists are unsure why this happens they suspect the steady loss of efficiency in the body’s energy supply is a key driver of the ageing process.

However, a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism shows the NMN compound can compensate for this loss of energy production.

Professor Dr Shin-ichiro Imai, of Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, US, 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.”

Mice of varying ages were given NMN water to explore the long-term effects.

The results show a variety of beneficial effects of NMN supplementation, but these benefits were seen exclusively in older mice.

Researchers say the next step is to carry out clinical trials on humans in Japan to test the safety of NMN and monitor the impact it has on them.