Sweet Summer Berry’s Cell-Saving Secret

This summer berry has its own little botanical bodyguard. And it’s turning out to be a superhero for us humans, too! 

A tiny but mighty berry compound has been making waves in the health world for a while now, mostly known for its knack for keeping Father Time at bay. But hold onto your hat because scientists have been burning the midnight oil and discovered this natural wonder is so much more than an anti-wrinkle champion.

It's like finding out your trusty Swiss Army knife has a whole bunch of hidden gadgets you never knew about, and they all work together to help you grow healthier.

Key Takeaways

• Fisetin, a compound in strawberries, helps eliminate senescent cells, which are linked to inflammation and chronic diseases. Thus, it slows the aging process and extends lifespan.
• Fisetin supports better liver function and enhances brain health by improving mitochondrial function.
• It strengthens bones by increasing calcium deposits and promotes lung health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, protecting against air pollution, asthma, and damage from cigarette smoke.

How Strawberries Can Save Your Cells from Aging

Strawberries are incredibly beneficial for your health. These vibrant red berries are more than just a sweet treat - they're bursting with antioxidants like vitamin C, quercetin, and anthocyanins, acting as your body's personal defense squad against harmful free radicals. This antioxidant army helps combat oxidative stress, potentially slowing down the aging process and warding off various illnesses.

But that's not all - a single cup of strawberries delivers more than 100% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake. This vital nutrient is your skin's best friend, boosting collagen production for a youthful glow, while also supporting your immune system and helping wounds heal faster.

Among strawberries' arsenal of beneficial compounds, fisetin stands out as a true marvel. This flavonoid, though discovered nearly two centuries ago, has recently captured scientists' attention for its remarkable anti-aging potential. As researchers delve deeper into the world of plant-based nutrients, fisetin emerges as a promising ally in our quest for longevity and vitality.

It was first discovered in 1833, but its significance for human health wasn’t appreciated until relatively recently when researchers recognized that plant chemicals like fisetin, classified as flavonoids, are powerful antioxidants that can provide important anti-aging benefits.

This little-known compound, tucked away in strawberries and other plants, is creating quite a buzz in the world of anti-aging research.

Scientists have been peeking under the microscope, and what they're seeing is pretty exciting. Fisetin seems to have a knack for turning back the clock on our cells. For instance, one recent investigation shows that fisetin can produce epigenetic effects – impacting how a cell’s genes function – that slow down the aging process. It's like a master key that unlocks our genetic potential, helping our bodies age more gracefully.

But here's where it gets really interesting—fisetin is like a superhero targeting the bad guys in our bodies. You see, as we age, we accumulate troublemakers called senescent cells. Senescent cells are cells that accumulate over the years and have outlived their usefulness. If they are not destroyed and eliminated, they malfunction, which can lead to damaging inflammation and chronic disease.

Think of them as lazy coworkers who hang around the office, causing chaos and slowing everything down. [1] Fisetin swoops in and shows these cellular slackers the door, helping our bodies run more smoothly.

And it doesn't stop there! In a groundbreaking study at the Mayo Clinic, researchers found that fisetin could teach old cells new tricks. It's as if fisetin gives these aging cells a pep talk, reminding them how to communicate effectively and stay on top of their protein-making game.

The best part? These scientists aren't just seeing fisetin fight the usual suspects of aging - they're seeing it potentially extend our healthy years. In this research, the scientists concluded that fisetin “reduces age-related pathology (the diseases brought on by aging) and extended median and maximum lifespan.” [2] It's not about adding years to life, but life to years!

Keeping the Body Stronger and More Resilient

But the list of benefits fisetin provides for people of all ages keeps getting longer. There’s good evidence it may:

• Support better brain health and help fend off Parkinson’s disease: A lot of research now focuses on how problems with mitochondria, the organelles that produce energy for each cell, can contribute to brain issues like Parkinson’s when the mitochondria in neurons falter. However, tests have found that fisetin can support better mitochondrial function and proliferation in these brain cells. [3] It can also help the body eliminate memory-threatening senescent cells in the brain’s hippocampus. [4]
• Strengthen bones: Tests in Italy show that fisetin supports the body’s bone tissue replacement functions, reinforcing bones with increased calcium deposits. [5]
• Keep your lungs healthier: Many studies show that fisetin can help your lungs stay healthier and ease your breathing. For instance, research at Brown University in conjunction with scientists from Asia shows that it offers a degree of protection from damage caused by air pollution. [6] Another study demonstrates that it supports better breathing during asthma by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs. [7] And tests in the Middle East show it limits tissue damage in the lungs caused by cigarette smoke. [8]
• Help protect the body against liver problems: An investigation on animals shows that it helps support better liver health in folks with diabetes. The results of these tests indicate it lowers blood sugar, increases circulating insulin, and can reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a liver issue that now afflicts about 30% of all Americans. [9]

All in all, fisetin is proving invaluable to our health.

How to Use Fisetin

Fisetin is available in supplements. But if you want to consume foods rich in fisetin they include strawberries (which are the richest source) as well as grapes, kiwi fruit, apples and onions.

Their fisetin content is one reason that I eat plenty of strawberries. And in the warmer months, ripe strawberries are a delicious way to boost your health!

Summary

Fisetin, a natural antioxidant in strawberries and other fruits, has been recognized for its significant health benefits. Originally discovered in 1833, fisetin has recently gained attention for its ability to fight aging and support overall wellness. Research indicates that fisetin helps eliminate harmful senescent cells, promotes liver health, supports brain function, strengthens bones, and maintains lung health. Fisetin offers a powerful boost to our health and longevity and is available in both supplements and foods like strawberries, grapes, and apples.