Happy Friday,

Our top story this week is about biological (cellular) aging. But before diving in, researchers discovered that Methyl adaptogens—plant-derived compounds largely found in turmeric—make cells younger. These compounds are also high in garlic, berries, rosemary, and green and oolong tea.

In today’s issue:

• The most accurate biological age test

• Groundbreaking law to try experimental drugs

• Bone-deep benefits of avocado pits

• and much more…

WISDOM FOR LIFE ☺️ 

Each of us is a universe of our living cells.

-Toba Beta

👁️‍🗨️SPOTLIGHT

Rethinking the biological age test

Have scientists created the best one yet?

Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine believe they discovered the most accurate tool to measure biological age—the age of your cells—which determines your risk of developing chronic diseases.

🎱 Called the Health Octo Tool, it measures eight key metrics to predict disability or death with 90% accuracy, meaning it can predict your future health better than any previous model, according to an article in Prevention.

Determining the state of your body’s health

Medical history + Physical exams + Test results = Insight on aging process

🛞 The concept of ‘health entropy’ is the core concept. It describes:

• The accumulation of molecular and cellular damage over time 

• How this damage impacts organs and bodily systems

It factors in the impact of disease and cancer history, the impact if age on walking speed (a measurement of functionality), and cognitive and physical risks.

Why measure biological age? Understanding your current state of cellular and functional health can be used to find more effective interventions to keep your body younger and disease-free.  

LIVE MORE

• ⏪ Youthful omega-3s: The fatty acid that makes cells age in reverse.

• 🔥 Extreme heat, faster biological aging: People in this city might experience 14 months of additional aging.

Up for debate

⁉️ Question: If extreme heat speeds aging, why does sauna extend longevity?

WELLNESS WATCH

Carbohydrates are MORE important than protein for aging?

Protein, protein, protein. 🦁 It’s all anyone talks about for longevity. But our cultural obsession with protein could be leading to a major oversight when it comes to good health: carbohydrates.

In a new study from Tufts University, women who ate more high-quality carbohydrates aged better, writes Healthline.🫘 Men may experience similar health benefits.

The study’s Gabby Landsverk tells Business Insider that carbohydrates may be even more important than protein for healthy aging.

Quality carbohydrates matter

Only high-quality carbohydrates were linked to healthy aging—think whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Quality carbohydrates are rich in fiber, which promotes gut and metabolic health, and reduces disease-causing inflammation.

• What quality carbs are NOT 🍞: Refined foods (e.g., white flour) or starchy food (e.g., potatoes), based on study conclusions

Why do some longevity experts advocate for low-carb? Carbohydrates can spike blood sugar and be inflammatory (particularly refined carbohydrates), which contributes to metabolic disease. 📈

BUT…low-carb and ketogenic diets, which may have short-term benefits like weight loss, can shorten lifespan in the long run.

IN OTHER NEWS

Montana approves law in “groundbreaking moment” for longevity

⛰️ The state of Montana approved a bill that allows people to receive experimental therapies without FDA approval, according to Longevity.Technology. 

Under the new legislation, any drug that is manufactured in Montana and proven to be safe in an early-stage clinical trial (Phase 1 trial) can be administered across dedicated centers statewide.

A “groundbreaking moment” for longevity 🪂

• Because it can take years for the FDA to approve longevity treatments, access to them is extremely limited (even on therapies approved in other countries), says Niklas Anzinger, head of decentralized longevity initiative Infinita City.

• Despite ethical and safety concerns, the law prioritizes “safety, informed consent, and professional oversight,” Anzinger says, calling it a ‘groundbreaking moment.’

Club Livelong

Launching June 2: Livelong Insiders Club

Our upcoming private membership is for those of you who want clarity, confidence, and connection in their wellness journey.

This is where trusted experts meet real life. No spin. No fads. Just thoughtful tools to help you make better decisions and build a personal approach to longevity based in science.

Today’s top reads

🌱 Plant a garden for your mind: New research strengthens the theory that gardening can significantly boost cognitive health and supports long-term health, according to an article in BBC. Gardening is a stimulating activity that takes advantage of the benefits of being in nature, socializing, and it boosts protective proteins in the brain.

• Liver-healing gut fungus: How ‘dark matter’ of the intestinal microecosystem might heal fatty liver disease.

• Think billions: How much revenue can women’s health and sexual wellness generate?

• Our energetic friends: Mitochondria socialize to improve our lives.

LONG-LEVITY

Bone-deep benefits of the avocado pit

🥑 Avocado is an amazing food for skin health, and a new study in the Asian Journal of Green Chemistry suggests that the pit (seed) helps bones grow.

When scientists created an extract from the avocado seed, the found high levels of compounds that directly or indirectly support bone growth—catechin, cyanidin, chlorogenic acid, and quinic acid.

There’s more: The pit has more polyphenols than the flesh and skin, and it may possess potential anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties.

• 👍 People on TikTok and Instagram swear by soaking avocado pit in rubbing alcohol for a natural pain relief tincture.

You still can’t eat the pit, but be on the lookout for natural therapeutics using the pit or it’s key bone-supportive compounds!

LIVELONG+

📚 READ: The Telomere Effect by Elizabeth Blackburn and Elissa Epel.

🎧 LISTEN: The soothing sound of a bubbling stream.

🍽️ TASTE: Spicy jerk tofu is the flavorful, high-protein, summer dish to try.

💬 SHARE: Share this newsletter to spread the knowledge.

 🙂 REWIND: Longevity drugs for pets.

Poll results

We asked: What have you been doing to support your mental health?

🌳 Somewhat surprisingly, the #1 response was ‘going outside’ — a simple habit with powerful benefits.

But the second most common response?

• ‘Ahhhh I’m still so stressed!’

This is all too relatable. But even when it feels unproductive, incorporating simple lifestyle shifts—like stepping outside—have considerable health benefits.

🫚 This weeks poll

Until next time,

- Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare professional before starting any exercise, wellness, or health program. Nothing in our content, products or services should be considered, or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Livelong is a media company and not a medical provider. We try to give the most accurate possible, but sometimes information is subject to change.

- Please note: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through them. This helps us continue to bring you credible and actionable health and longevity insights at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Longevity Media LLC

Look good, feel better, live longer.