Mediterranean Diet Reveals Hidden Cellular Anti-Aging Messengers

A USC-led study suggests that closer adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet raises mitochondrial microproteins humanin and SHMOOSE, which are linked to protection against aging-related diseases. The research found higher diet adherence correlated with increased levels of these proteins and lower oxidative stress, with olive oil, fish, and legumes connected to higher humanin and olive oil plus lower refined carbs linked to higher SHMOOSE. The work points to mitochondria-centered biomarkers and a potential precision-nutrition pathway, but is observational, so causality remains to be established.