Have you heard of fisetin? Fisetin is a flavonoid naturally found in strawberries, apples, persimmons, cucumbers, onions, and other plants. Recent research found that the regular consumption of fisetin is associated with healthy ageing. Do you want to learn more? Read on.
What is fisetin?
Fisetin is a yellow pigment that belongs to the group of flavonoids and gives color to a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Fisetin, like other polyphenols, display an outstanding antioxidant activity with promising health benefits. Recently, this flavonoid is attracting a lot of attention due to its senolytic properties. This means that it can slow down the ageing process. It is known that when we age senescent cells build up, losing the ability to divide and exert normal physiological functions.
Senescence is a suppressor mechanism activated to prevent replication of damaged DNA. In this vein, senescent cells play a key role in driving ageing and age-related diseases. Removal of these cells helps ease inflammation and increase lifespan, as demonstrated by in vivo experiments. Furthermore, literature reports that mice fed with a fisetin-rich diet lived about 10% longer, whereas flies and yeasts had their lifespan increased by over 20% and 50% respectively.
Current evidence suggests that fisetin may target components of intracellular signalling pathways of cell survival and apoptosis, modulating ageing.
It should also be noted that this antioxidant displays several health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive, chemotherapeutic and senotherapeutic activity. Fisetin may be effective against various types of cancer, improve heart function, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, and improve brain-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety and depression.
This evidence means that fisetin is a powerful weapon, slowing ageing and providing health promoting effects. So, if you need an excuse to eat a snack of strawberries, apples or cucumber, here it is!
Even though daily recommendations vary from 100 to 500 milligrams per day, researchers agree that the antioxidant is fat-soluble, so consuming it with fats promotes better absorption.
One last thought: fisetin shares distinct and unique benefits with a plethora of other polyphenols. It is important to include as many as you can in your diet. You can get them from coffee, green tea, fruits, vegetables and more.