Sirtuins are proteins found in the body that contain specific enzymes and regulate certain biological pathways – such as ageing, transcription (the copying of DNA on replication), apotosis (programmed cell death) and inflammation.  Particularly important is sirtuins ability to protect cells in the body from dying when they are under stress.

Also sirtuins may be able to influence the body’s ability to burn fat and boost metabolism leading to weight loss.  It is thought excess weight is both a sign of bodily inflammation AND excess weight can also stimulate inflammation.

Well what are these “superfoods”?  Common ones include –

• Green Tea
• Coffee
• Dark chocolate (that is at least 90% cocoa)
• Apples
• Citrus fruits
• Parsley
• Turmeric
• Onions
• Kale
• Blueberries
• Capers
• Olive oil
• Red wine (high in polyphenols and resveratrol)

However like all diets there is a need to have a sensible balanced eating plan, but increasingly our consumption of sirtuin stimulating foods can do nothing but good.