Let’s talk about spermidine. Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine. Polyamines help cell growth, cell survival, and cell proliferation in a multitude of ways. As we get older, our polyamine levels decline and these changes are associated with premature aging and disease.
Spermidine plays a critical role in cell function because it stimulates autophagy. Autophagy is a part of the metabolic process. It occurs when the body consumes its own tissue to break down cells then reuses the old parts of those broken down cells to create new cells that will operate more efficiently. It is an important mechanism for optimizing the mitochondria, the powerhouse of our cells. A defective autophagy structure and spermidine deficiency are very correlated with reduced life spans, chronic stress, and acute inflammation.
To put it simply, when spermidine levels are low the body’s ability to break down cells that carry disease is hindered, which makes us susceptible to illness and accelerated aging. Aging is inevitable but research suggests that consuming spermidine rich foods helps increase levels thus slowing the process of aging.
Here’s what to shop for when looking to incorporate foods high in spermidine. Keep these in your weekly meal rotation!
- Grapefruit
- Legumes
- Chickpeas
- Peas
- Green Peppers
- Broccoli
- Oranges
- Green tea
- Fresh green pepper
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Amaranth grain
- Non-GMO and carefully sourced soy products
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Durian
