Health
Boost Your Longevity and Brain Health with These Power Foods, According to New Research
As we age, one of the most pressing concerns is the risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. With no cure currently available, many people are eager to discover ways to safeguard their brain health. Recent research highlights that incorporating specific foods into your diet could not only reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s but also extend your lifespan.
A study published in the journal Antioxidants this summer points to the benefits of phytoene, a carotenoid found predominantly in tomatoes. This compound has shown promising anti-aging properties by protecting against the accumulation of harmful free radicals and plaque in the brain—key factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study’s findings are significant, revealing a 10 to 18.6 percent increase in lifespan and a 30 to 40 percent reduction in the damaging effects caused by plaque.
“These are very exciting preliminary results, so we are looking for funding to continue this line of research and to find out by what mechanisms these effects are produced,” said Paula Mapelli Brahm, PhD, a research collaborator at the University of Seville.
This research was carried out by scientists from the Colour and Food Quality group at the University of Seville’s Faculty of Pharmacy, in collaboration with Marina Ezcurra, PhD, a senior lecturer in the biology of aging at the University of Kent in the U.K.
To harness these benefits, increasing your consumption of tomatoes—which are rich in phytoene—can be advantageous. However, tomatoes are not the only source. Other foods such as carrots, apricots, red peppers, oranges, mandarins, and passion fruit also contain this beneficial carotenoid.
Additionally, the study presents groundbreaking findings, with researchers noting that “no other studies have directly shown that phytoene intake promotes longevity.”
The research team reached these conclusions by examining the effects of phytoene on a model organism, C. elegans. Their experiments demonstrated that while varying amounts of phytoene did not affect the organism’s development—indicating the carotenoid is non-toxic—certain levels did result in a significant reduction in oxidative stress.
Beyond its benefits for brain health and longevity, phytoene has also been identified in previous studies as offering protection against ultraviolet radiation. This adds another layer of potential health benefits to incorporating phytoene-rich foods into your diet.
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