Research continues to unearth exciting new ways to support healthy aging.
One of the more interesting of late is a compound you likely haven’t heard of: spermidine.
Despite its funny name, this nutrient has an important role to play in how our cells function. In fact, recent studies have shown that spermidine may help to promote cardiovascular health, brain health, and more.
The best part? You can get spermidine from your food, or it can easily be taken as a supplement.
Let’s take a closer look at this newer item in the healthy aging tool kit.
What Is Spermidine?
Spermidine is a polyamine, which is a type of molecule that helps cells to grow and repair themselves.
One of the most important things to know about spermidine specifically is that it supports autophagy…the body’s natural process for clearing out old and damaged cells. Getting rid of these waste products helps everything else in your body to function better.
Autophagy has been linked to longer lifespan, better brain function, a stronger immune system, and more.
Health Benefits of Spermidine
Several studies have shown a relationship between an increase in spermidine consumption and lower mortality.
Specifically, spermidine seems to provide the following benefits:
- Improved Cardiovascular Health
Spermidine may lower blood pressure, relax blood vessels, and reduce the risk of heart failure. One study found that people who ate more spermidine-rich foods had healthier hearts.
- Preserved Cognition
Spermidine may help to keep your brain healthy. It seems to protect brain cells, improve memory, and may even reduce the risk for developing diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- Strengthened Immune System Function
It has been well-established that the immune system weakens with age. Spermidine appears to support immune cell health and may also suppress inflammation.
- Enhanced Cellular Health
Spermidine helps to protect DNA from damage and improves cellular energy production.
- Improved Skin and Hair Health
Many people who take spermidine have reported improvements to the texture of their skin and hair.
- Increased Metabolism
When combined with healthy lifestyle habits, spermidine has been reported to improve metabolism and reduce body fat.
Dietary Sources of Spermidine
Spermidine can be found in several foods.
Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, tofu, and sourdough are excellent sources of spermidine. Wheat germ is also very high in spermidine.
Other dietary sources include:
- Aged cheese (like parmesan or cheddar)
- Mushrooms (especially shiitake and maitake)
- Green peas
- Cauliflower and broccoli
- Whole grains (like brown rice, oats, and barley)
- Lentils and chickpeas
What About Supplements?
While there are many dietary sources of spermidine available (as noted above), it can still be difficult to get the amounts needed for the health benefits described above from food alone.
As a consequence, spermidine supplements (in capsule or powder form) have become popular. The spermidine found in supplements is usually made from wheat germ or is sometimes created in a lab.
Is Spermidine for You?
Spermidine is just one of a growing number of tools that are available to support healthy aging, particularly when it comes to autophagy.
Renew Youth has been an industry leader in healthy aging for more than a quarter century. We’re the resource for information on healthy aging. Ready to get started on your path to better aging? Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.