The antioxidants present in certain foods help us fight against aging, strengthen our immune system and limit the risks of cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, cataracts and certain cancers. But according to an American study to appear in the February 2014 edition of the journal Experimental Gerontology, these properties, present in cranberries (cranberries), would also extend life expectancy.
The only problem with the study was that it was carried out only on flies, fruit flies used in laboratories, and not yet on human beings. A team of researchers from the National Institute on Anging in Baltimore, United States, fed groups ranging from 100 to 200 flies, separated in vials, with sugar enriched with 2% cranberry extract, reports the New York Daily News. Flies have been divided according to the biological stages of their life corresponding to humans in adulthood, living environment and old age.
25 to 30% longer life
After being fed and between each stage of their existence, they were transferred to new vials. Scientists recorded the number of dead flies with each transfer until none were left. Their results show that the youngest flies who ingested cranberry extract lived 25% longer than those in the control group who consumed only sugar. And those who consumed it during the “middle of life” and “old age” phases would have gained 30% longevity.
An analysis of proteins located in the heads of flies proved that consuming cranberries, rich in phytochemicals, reduces cellular damage caused by oxidation and environmental stress by altering the molecular pathways involved in the response to oxidative stress, explains the Wall Street Journal.
