(NaturalHealth365) Anti-aging studies and longevity research are hot topics this day and age.  No doubt, this is all being pushed by the aging baby boomer population.

It should be noted that the average life expectancy of an American is 78.7 years.  And, that this is a decline over the past two years which researchers attribute  – at least partly – to declining emotional well-being and an uptick in deaths due to substance abuse, but that’s a story for another article.

On the other hand, many scientists and researchers are interested in helping expand the typical human lifespan even more.  One area of study that draws particular interest in this matter is cellular senescence, a major contributor to aging.

But you don’t need to take drastic measures to add years to your life – new research suggests that adding a natural compound called quercetin is an effective way to promote anti-aging in your body.

Great anti-aging NEWS: This (natural) compound halts aging and promotes the death of cancerous cells

Quercetin is a compound known as a flavanoid.  This plant pigment has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers – which is consistent with research already showing how this compound can fight inflammation, prevent heart disease, protect against neuron loss, and increases spatial memory and learning (both of which are impaired in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease).

Now, new research shows that quercetin can promote anti-aging in the body thanks to their opposing effect on healthy cells, and harmful senescent cells.

Cell senescence gives rise to what some researchers jokingly refer to as “zombie cells.”  These are old cells that no longer functioning properly.

Instead, they emit harmful pro-inflammatory chemicals, which contribute to aging and age-related diseases like cancer.  But instead of dying off, these senescent accumulate in the body (not a good thing).

Quercetin, it seems, has a powerful ability to reduce inflammation and protect the body against these zombie cells. Specifically, quercetin promotes normal cell behavior, slows cellular aging, and prevents cells from reaching the state of senescence in the first place.

Amazingly, quercetin does the opposite in harmful cancer cells. This powerful substance can stimulate senescence in cancer cells, stop these cancerous cells from dividing rapidly (which is what they are notorious for doing), and ultimately promote cancer cell death.

And when researchers combine quercetin with a type of vitamin E known as tocotrienols, these effects appear even more robust.

Here’s how you can get more quercetin in your diet

How’s this for an elevator pitch: quercetin is a type of plant pigment known as a flavanoid. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Because of this, it can promote anti-aging in cells and tissues as well as protect against many age-related diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

Hands up if you want more of this in your diet!

Here’s your anti-aging quercetin checklist to bring with you the next time you hit the grocery store:

• Grapes
• Red onions
• Green tea
• Apples
• Capers
• Olive oil
• Shallots
• Eggplants
• Celery
• Tomatoes
• Berries

Generally speaking, most people get around 5 to 40 milligrams of quercetin per day in their food, but if you eat a lot of fruits and veggies, you can expect to get doses upwards of 500 milligrams.

Bottom line, make some simple (healthy) changes to your diet and protect your future health – naturally.  (it’s worth it!)

Sources for this article include:

Longlonglife.org
Lifeextension.com
Lifeextension.com
Lifeextension.com
Fortune.com
NIH.gov
Examine.com