Throughout history, humans have sought ways to slow down the aging process and increase their lifespan. While the mythical “fountain of youth” remains elusive, recent research has uncovered an alternative that might be sitting right in your pantry in the form of lima beans.
Prunetin: A Plant-derived Isoflavine for a Longer Life
A new report published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Journal reveals that prunetin, a plant-derived isoflavine found in high concentrations in lima beans and prunes, shows promise as a natural way of extending your lifespan and improving your fitness levels.
This discovery was made during a study involving fruit flies. The scientists separated the insects by sex and fed some of them a diet containing prunetin, while the others were given a prunetin-free control diet. The results were remarkable: male fruit flies that were fed prunetin not only lived longer but also showed signs of actual age reversal. These insects had improved physical fitness and healthier blood sugar levels compared to their counterparts on the control diet.
Anika E. Wagner, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the study, said, “Our study provides novel insights into plant bioactive research and suggests a potential to combat aging comparatively simply by the intake of a plant bioactive.”
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Previous studies on prunetin have demonstrated the compound’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties which likely contribute to its anti-aging effects. Thoru Pederson, FASEB editor, stated that “this research shows that the connection between diet and health is important for all living animals, no matter how complex or how simple they are.”
Prunetin can be found naturally in various fruits and vegetables, although the best sources are prunes and lima beans. While more research is required to determine precisely how beneficial prunetin is for our health, incorporating these fiber-rich options into your weekly meal plan can’t hurt. After all, fiber itself offers numerous health benefits.
Benefits of Fiber-rich Foods
In addition to potentially slowing down the aging process, fiber-rich foods like lima beans and prunes offer a wide range of health benefits:
- Improved digestion: Consuming enough fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly, preventing constipation and maintaining overall gut health. The American Heart Association recommends that women consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should aim for 38 grams.
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Weight management: High-fiber foods can help you feel full for longer periods, reducing the overall number of calories you consume and aiding in weight management. A study conducted by researchers at Harvard University found that increasing fiber intake while reducing overall calorie intake led to weight loss.
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Regulating blood sugar: Fiber slows down the absorption of sugars into your bloodstream, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people who consumed a high-fiber diet had a 40% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who consumed a low-fiber diet.
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Lowering cholesterol levels: Soluble fiber, found in fruits, vegetables, and legumes, can help lower cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol particles in your digestive system and removing them from your body. The American Heart Association states that consuming 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber per day can decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by about 5%.
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Reducing the risk of heart disease: A high-fiber diet may decrease your risk of heart disease. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that consuming more dietary fiber was associated with lower rates of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease.
In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the anti-aging effects of prunetin, adding fiber-rich foods like lima beans and prunes to your diet can offer a wide range of health benefits for your body. Incorporating these foods into your weekly meal plans is an easy way to help improve your health and potentially extend your lifespan.
