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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009
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39

Sperm, Grapefruit Slow Aging

Spermidine found to increase lifespans of fruit flies, worms

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(Newser) – The fountain of youth may be filled with grapefruit and human sperm, according to Austrian researchers. The scientists found that spermidine, a chemical compound abundant in both sperm and grapefruit, increased longevity by around a third in fruit flies and worms when it was added to their diet. Human immune cells also lived longer when cultured in the compound. The spermidine slowed the aging process by making cellular processes more efficient, according to researchers.

"Clearly we have to do a lot more research to discover if it can have a direct effect on aging in humans," the lead researcher told Chemistry World. "What is interesting is that spermidine is a natural compound which probably has no side effects. People could try to stay young by eating a lot of grapefruit and having a lot of sex. It might not work but I don't think it would do much harm."

"Humans are exposed to spermidine in quite high concentrations during sexual intercourse," a researcher said. "Also, grapefruit contains high concentrations, so natural sources are available."   (Shutter Stock)
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People could try to stay young by eating a lot of grapefruit and having a lot of sex—it might not work but I don't think it would do much harm. - Frank Medeo
of the University of Graz, Austria

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39 comments
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Jayster999
Oct 8, 09 1:31 AM CDT
This is a health regimen that I could adhere to. I'm even fond of grapefruit. Reply
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kokuaguy
Oct 8, 09 5:56 PM CDT
Who knew? I guess I'll have to go back to read your comments a bit more carefully. ; ^)
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sully4411
Oct 9, 09 11:11 AM CDT
...no, koku, that wont be necessary. even assholes like to fuck.
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Collusive
Oct 9, 09 5:00 PM CDT
and drink semen...
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proud_prude
Oct 10, 09 7:54 PM CDT
I'm now praying for research that links grapefruit with cellulite formation. ; -]
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