A new study suggest that intermittent fast could increase life , as it can change the natural process of mitochondrial networks inside our cells .

The subject , lead by Harvard University , was published inCell Metabolism . They prove nematode worm , orC. elegans , which live just two weeks and therefore permit us to analyse ripening in real time .

Mitochondria are the free energy - producing structures in cells . To protect themselves from damage , they sometimes flux together , keep them in a more youthful Department of State . As they get on , however , their power to do this declines .

By restrict the dieting of the worm , the researchers found that they could keep mitochondria in a amalgamate DoS for long . Similar results were achieved by the hereditary manipulation of an energy - sensing protein , called AMP - touch off protein kinase ( AMPK ) .

They then found that these young networks of mitochondria could increase lifespan by communicate with cellular structures call organelles , in this showcase , peroxisomes , which control productive metabolism .

Previously , scientists had been unclear how mitochondria fusion affect metamorphosis and cellular mathematical function . This sketch show that there is a liaison between the two , result in an increased longevity .

“ humble - vigor conditions such as dietetical confinement and intermittent fasting have antecedently been shown to boost goodly aging , ” said Heather Weir , lead writer of the subject , in astatement .

“ Understanding why this is the grammatical case is a crucial step toward being able to draw rein the benefit therapeutically . ”

The squad hopes that these findings could avail grow scheme to slim down the chance of develop years - refer diseases as we get older . They now desire to inquire if the same tie is come across in mammals , and retrieve out if mitochondrial flexibleness could reveal a link between fleshiness and years - related disease .

“ Although previous work has shown how intermittent fasting can slow down aging , we are only beginning to understand the underlying biology , ”   William Mair , senior generator of the study , said in a assertion .

Last year , a study found that a vitamin forebode nicotinamide riboside ( NR ) could alsoincrease lifespan , by get the regeneration of lost muscle tissue paper in aged computer mouse . In that study , the researchers also get a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and the reduced power of cells to reform themselves .