Scientists at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology have found that a Mediterranean‑style eating plan may help the body stay younger. The secret? Tiny proteins made inside the cell’s power plants, called mitochondria.
What Are Mitochondria?
Mitochondria are best known for creating energy for every cell. New research shows they also send chemical messages that affect metabolism, inflammation, stress, and aging.
Micro‑Proteins Linked to the Mediterranean Diet
Older adults who followed the Mediterranean diet most closely had higher blood levels of two mitochondrial micro‑proteins: humanin and SHMOOSE. Both proteins have been tied to lower risk of heart disease and brain loss seen in Alzheimer’s.
"These tiny proteins act like messengers, turning what we eat into how our cells work and age," said study leader Roberto Vicinanza.
Key Foods That Boost Mitochondrial Health
The Mediterranean diet focuses on olive oil, fish, beans, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and little processed food. It limits sugary snacks and refined carbs such as white bread.
People who ate more olive oil, fish, and legumes showed higher humanin levels. Olive oil and fewer refined carbs were linked to more SHMOOSE.
Why Lower Oxidative Stress Matters
Participants with the strongest diet adherence also had lower signs of oxidative stress—damage caused by unstable molecules that can hurt proteins, fats, and DNA. Reducing this stress is a known way to slow aging.
The Hidden Genes Inside Mitochondria
Most human proteins come from DNA in the cell nucleus, but mitochondria carry a tiny set of their own genes. Small sections of this mitochondrial DNA, once thought useless, actually produce micro‑proteins like humanin and SHMOOSE.
Humanin has been linked to better insulin response, heart protection, longer life, and sharper memory. SHMOOSE appears to guard brain cells from the damage that leads to Alzheimer’s.
Potential Heart Benefits
Higher humanin levels were connected to lower activity of an enzyme called Nox2, which makes harmful reactive oxygen species. Less Nox2 activity may protect the heart and blood vessels.
From Lab to Global Awareness
Vicinanza is also helping spread the Mediterranean diet worldwide. He worked with the town of Pollica, Italy, to create an International Day of the Mediterranean Diet on November 16, highlighting the diet’s health, cultural, and environmental value.
Looking Ahead: Precision Nutrition
While the study was small and only showed a link, it hints at a future where doctors could measure proteins like humanin and SHMOOSE to personalize diet advice. This approach, called precision nutrition, aims to match food choices to each person’s biology.
Future research will test if changing a diet can directly raise these proteins and lower disease risk.
Study Funding
The research was supported by USC’s Daryl and Irwin Simon Nutrition for Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Fund, the Hanson‑Thorell Family Research Award, the National Institutes of Health, and a PRIN 2022 grant.