Mediterranean diet helps you live longer and healthier Methionine, an amino acid

The work, directed by Matthew Piper, a professor at the Institute for Healthy Aging at University College London, found that manipulating the levels of methionine in the diet can extend life, and does so without reducing fertility

Mediterranean diet helps you live longer and healthier Methionine, an amino acid

Methionine, an amino acid that is part of the proteins found in fish, nuts, meat and wheat, may have a role in the enjoyment of living longer and healthier, according to a study published in the journal Nature.

The work, directed by Matthew Piper, a professor at the Institute for Healthy Aging at University College London, found that manipulating the levels of methionine in the diet can extend life, and does so without reducing fertility.

Methionine is one of the main building elements of proteins involved in the formation of cells and tissues, and studies with fruit flies have shown that it is crucial for longevity.

It is considered that this is the result of an evolutionary process that ensures that in times of famine essential nutrients are not "wasted" in the reproductive arena.

Despite obvious differences between fruit flies and humans, the researchers said it was highly likely that this relationship is extended to persons. Piper said that in the past, "we tended to think that what is important in our diets was the amount of protein and what is shown now is that" the balance of amino acids in the diet can affect health in later stages of life.

"If this is the case in humans," added Piper, the most important thing is the type of protein consumed. It is as simple as saying 'you have to eat less nuts' or 'you have to eat more nuts' to live more, it comes to getting the protein balance right, a particularly important factor in high-calorie diets.




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