Mediterranean Diet Raises 2 Microproteins Linked to Heart and Brain Protection
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Jul 18
Mediterranean Diet Raises 2 Microproteins Linked to Heart and Brain Protection
2 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Jul 18
Summary
Older adults with the strongest Mediterranean-diet adherence had higher blood levels of two mitochondrial microproteins—humanin and SHMOOSE—both previously tied to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative protection.
USC-led researchers said the pattern may work through mitochondria: participants with higher adherence also showed lower oxidative-stress markers, and higher humanin tracked with lower Nox2 activity, a source of damaging reactive oxygen species.
Olive oil, fish and legumes were most strongly associated with higher humanin, while olive oil and lower refined-carbohydrate intake were linked to higher SHMOOSE.
The study was small and observational, so it cannot prove the diet caused the changes, but the authors said the proteins could become biomarkers for personalized nutrition and healthy-aging strategies.
Will 'anti-aging' protein supplements soon replace the need for a Mediterranean diet?
Mitochondria produce anti-aging proteins, but can they also accelerate neurodegeneration?
Mediterranean Diet Increases Humanin and SHMOOSE: Molecular Link to Reduced Heart and Brain Disease Risk
Overview
Recent research from USC and Sapienza University has uncovered how the Mediterranean diet benefits heart and brain health at the molecular level. By analyzing blood samples from older adults, scientists found that those who closely followed the Mediterranean diet had much higher levels of two important mitochondrial microproteins, humanin and SHMOOSE. These microproteins act as messengers, translating healthy eating into protective effects for cells. The study suggests that specific foods in the Mediterranean diet, like olive oil, fish, and legumes, directly boost these microproteins, helping to explain why this diet is linked to healthier aging and reduced disease risk.