Mediterranean Diet Boosts Heart-Brain Proteins | Science News

Science News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 18, 2026 · 1m

New research reveals the Mediterranean diet may boost heart and brain health by activating protective microproteins—humanin and SHMOOSE—inside our cells. Older adults who followed the diet most closely showed higher levels of these proteins, linked to foods like olive oil, fish, and legumes. This discovery uncovers a molecular mechanism behind the diet’s long-known benefits, suggesting specific nutrients directly influence mitochondrial health and aging. Scientists now aim to prove causation and pave the way for personalized nutrition that targets individual biological markers for optimal…