Mediterranean diet may protect health through mitochondrial microproteins

A new study led by researchers at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology suggests that the benefits of the Mediterranean diet may be driven, in part, by tiny proteins hidden within our mitochondria, opening a new window into how diet shapes aging and disease risk.

The study, led by USC Leonard Davis Instructional Associate Professor of Gerontology Roberto Vicinanza, found that people who closely follow a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of two mitochondrial microproteins, humanin and SHMOOSE – both of which have been linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration.

These microproteins may act as molecular messengers that translate what we eat into how our cells function and age. It's a new biological pathway that helps explain why the Mediterranean diet is so powerful."

The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, fish, legumes, fruits and vegetables, has long been associated with lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline. But the mechanisms behind these benefits are still being uncovered.