5. Nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are precursors to the compound nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+).
NAD+ is found in every cell in your body and is involved in many critical processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and gene expression.
Its levels decline with age. This decline may be associated with accelerated physical decline and the onset of age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, research suggests that the NAD+ precursors NMN and NR help restore NAD+ levels and age-associated cellular changes.
A 21-day study in 12 men with a median age of 75 showed that supplementing with 1 gram of NR daily increased NAD+ levels in skeletal muscle and reduced levels of inflammatory proteins. However, these results may be hampered by a conflict of interest.
Nonetheless, a 30-day study in both mice and a small number of people ages 45–60 found that NMN supplements significantly lengthened telomere length in each group. The shortening of telomeres plays a central role in the aging process.
Although these results are promising, more human research on NR and NMN is needed.
SUMMARYSupplementing with NMR and NR may help boost NAD+ levels in your body and prevent age-associated genetic changes.
6. Crocin
Crocin is a yellow carotenoid pigment found in saffron, a popular, pricey spice that’s commonly used in Indian and Spanish cuisine.
Human and animal studies have shown that crocin offers many health benefits, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and antidiabetes effects. It may also protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Test-tube and rodent studies demonstrate that crocin helps prevent age-related nerve damage by inhibiting the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are compounds that contribute to the aging process.
Crocin has also been shown to help prevent aging in human skin cells by reducing inflammation and protecting against cellular damage induced by UV light.
Since saffron is the world’s most expensive spice, it may be more cost-effective to take a concentrated saffron supplement.
SUMMARYCrocin, which is a pigment found in saffron, may combat cellular damage and reduce inflammation to promote longevity and prevent cognitive decline.