Could it be that the secret to a longer life lies in…pond scum? A new study says that phytoene, a colorless compound found in microalgae, seems to have remarkable anti-aging properties, including extending lifespan. Spanish and British researchers used a type of tiny worm in their study, and found that the ones treated with phytoene showed increased resistance to oxidative stress, suggesting that phytoene acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. The researchers also found that phytoene had a powerful protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease, and the positive effect of extending lifespan. They say their findings open up intriguing possibilities for future anti-aging research.
(…and if that doesn’t work out, they’ve at least found a way to make live bait last longer!)
(Now, the race is on to become the first celeb to release a line of anti-aging “pond scum” cosmetics!)
-StudyFinds