Compound in broccoli may slow signs of aging

The hands of a man are holding fresh broccoli sprouts under running water, and washing them in the kitchen sink. (iStock)

Fine lines creeping across your face, and the inevitable aches and pains that come with your advancing years— if you, like most, want to delay the depressing signs of aging, new research suggests a simple answer: Eat your greens.

Evidence suggests it’s more than just an old wives tale, and that by eating more broccoli, cabbage and avocado you can ward off the signs of aging.

A key compound, known as NMN— nicotinamide mononucleotide— lurking in the green fruit and veg helps slow the physical signs of aging, and can rejuvenate the metabolism.

Tests on mice showed it reduces typical signs of ageing including skeletal muscle issues, poor liver function, lower bone density and declining eye function.

As well as worsening insulin sensitivity, immune function, body weight and physical activity levels.

Professor Dr Shin-ichiro Imai at Washington University School of Medicine in 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."

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