Superfood pomegranate could be the key to a longer life, scientists have revealed.
A study published in Nature Medicine journal suggested that, when digested, pomegranate can help combat “age-related decline of muscle function”.
Trials in rodents and worms show the juice is converted into a molecule that boosts mitophagy – the process of keeping cells healthy.
After being fed the molecule, named urolithin A, the lifespan of worms was increased by almost half and older mice showed 42 per cent better endurance.
Researcher Johan Auwerx, said the range of animals responding to the molecule was particularly promising, adding: "That's a good indication that we're touching here on an essential mechanism in living organisms."
Scientists are now conducting human trials, which will analyse the molecule’s impact on frailty to determine if it can help reduce muscle weakness that can come with old age.
