Spermidine: what it is, beneficial properties and in which foods it is contained

Spermidine is a substance that belongs to the class of polyamines and it is involved in cellular metabolism. It is called this way because the first time it was isolated in human sperm: however, it is a substance naturally contained in certain foods such as aged cheeses, mushrooms, cereals. Spermidine is considered an elixir of long life: in particular it protects the heart, helping to prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases, but it also carries out an anti-age action. Let's find out more about this substance that extends life and it is good for the heart.

Spermidine: what are its benefits?

Even if the name of this substance is not so inviting, its regular consumption could bring great benefits to our body and our health. Spermidine helps protect the heart, reducing the risk of incurring cardiovascular disorders and high blood pressure: this emerges from a research conducted by Guido Kroemer of Equipe 11 Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, in Paris, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Graz, Austria, a research published in Nature Medicine. The research involved 800 inhabitants of the city of Brunico: their consumption of foods rich in spermidine reduced the chances of experiencing cardiovascular and cardiac diseases, as well as hypertension, especially in men. According to the scientists, therefore, spermidine would be able to protect the heart and extend life expectancy, both in animals and in humans.

Another benefit is to perform an anti-age action as it promotes cell autophagy: the process by which our body gets rid of toxins and recycles cellular components that have been damaged. It is a natural mechanism of our body, but it tends to slow down over the years: we can therefore help this process by eating the right foods, such as those containing spermidine. This substance would also help promote sleep, regulating the sleep-wake cycle, but also preventing food allergies and diabetes.

In which foods is spermidine contained?

Where can you find spermidine? To prevent heart problems, high blood pressure, allergies and to extend our life expectancy, we need to introduce more foods that naturally contain spermidine into our diet. Among these we can find: aged cheeses such as parmesan, gruyere, gorgonzola, brie, beef, chicken, turkey and pork, legumes, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, potatoes, seeds and products based on fermented soy, in addition to dried fruit, in particular hazelnuts, almonds and pistachios. These are foods that we can bring to the table alternating in our diet, so that we can enjoy all the benefits of this elixir of long life. Remember to always follow a balanced diet, established with your doctor or nutritionist, to stay healthy and take no risks.