Spermidine is a biogenic amine in chemistry. For longevity research, this micronutrient is a promising prospect. For us, it can Spermidine one possibility that to take a healthy future into one's own handsOf all the things spermidine can be, one thing it isn't: new. Quite the opposite. As early as 1870, Philipp Schreiner isolated the base spermine from male seminal fluid. This is also the origin of the molecule's somewhat quirky name. Even though we now know that spermidine occurs completely naturally in every cell and in every organism, the original name has stuck.
Occurrence of spermidine
Our bodies can produce spermidine in moderation. However, when metabolism accelerates (z.BDuring exercise, the body's production of spermidine is boosted. Conversely, its concentration decreases when metabolism slows down. However, the amount produced by the body itself is insufficient to meet demand. Cells rely on dietary intake for this. Spermidine is found primarily in whole grains, especially wheat germ. Soybeans (approximately 200 mg/kg) or legumes. Mushrooms and aged cheeses are also rich in the molecule. For comparison: the spermidine content in human ejaculate, from which the name derives, averages 31 mg/L.
The good news for everyone who immediately suspects the worst: Spermidine-containing dietary supplements are not produced not from human or animal sperm, but from wheat germ or soy products. Soy-based spermidine Unlike wheat germ-derived products, it is also gluten-free.
What does spermidine do?
The effect attributed to this naturally occurring substance is not only beneficial, but for some years now has even been of paramount importance. In 2016, Japanese Professor Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for basic research on autophagy.
What exactly is meant by this term, which originates in ancient Greece?
Autophagy – the cell's own waste collection
When cells break down their own components, this is called... Autophagy or autophagy. Colloquially, we often refer to this as self-digestion. This should not be confused with phagocytosis, where substances from the outside are taken up ("eaten") into the cell and digested.
Autophagy is particularly important because cellular metabolism constantly produces byproducts that are either superfluous or damaged. Through this process, these byproducts can either be disposed of or, even better, reused. However, it's not just metabolic products that are autophaged, but also entire cell organelles – for example, the... MitochondriaWhether due to damage, aging, or even planned destruction – sooner or later, our cellular power plants begin to falter. To prevent this from negatively impacting the overall cell's performance, the mitochondria are simply digested within the cell. The fact that new power plants are then formed from these fragments is all the more beneficial. Essentially, autophagy is the cell's own waste disposal and recycling system in one.
According to Prof. Ohsumi, the process is always stimulated when conditions are unfavorable for our cells.For example, a lack of nitrogen or nutrients triggers the autophagy machinery. But even the best system eventually runs out of steam. With age, both spermidine concentration and the activity of our self-cleaning program decline.
According to studies, such functional impairments can lead to metabolic disorders, infections, or even neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's). In the latter, disease-relevant protein deposits accumulate in cells. This underscores once again how important it is to preserve this ability.
Fasting helps
Besides spermidine, it can also Fast To kick-start our recycling system, the most common rule of thumb is 16:8 – fasting for 16 hours and eating for 8. The principle behind it is as simple as it is logical: if nothing new is being consumed, old food is reused. Furthermore, the body isn't constantly busy breaking down new food, but can use the time to clean up. If only we were just as consistent with our everyday cleaning routines.
The benefits of fasting range from positive effects on cardiovascular health to increased performance. In this case, less really is more. Unfortunately, this doesn't apply to house cleaning.
Summary
Finally, let's get to the heart of the matter. The theories surrounding spermidine can be summarized as follows: The molecule is supposed to trick our bodies into thinking they are fasting, thus allowing us to benefit from fasting, namely increased autophagy, without actually abstaining from food. A Spermidine-rich diet Studies have shown it to be associated with a longer lifespan.
