Moskalёв Names Apples the Leader in Geroprotective Compounds

Apples lead the products listed in the number of compounds that may slow aging: 28 such substances have been found in them. Biologist Alexey Moskalev said that cherries, celery and beans follow apples in his comparison.

What was found in different foods

Cherries contain 23 compounds, celery 21 and beans 20. Parsley, carrots and strawberries each have 19, blueberries 18, peas 17, and cranberries 16. All these foods are included in a list of plants containing geroprotective substances—a term for compounds being studied for their potential to protect the body against aging processes.

The difference between apples and the foods that follow them on the list reflects the number of compounds identified, not the degree of any rejuvenating effect. The figures given do not show that any one fruit can slow aging on its own or replace other foods.

The focus is on plants as a whole

Moskalev said that the research team studied Russia’s native flora. According to him, at least 300 plant species contain around 90 or more geroprotective substances. This is a broad range of compounds, not a description of a single food or a ready-made diet plan.

The list includes fruits, berries, herbs, vegetables and legumes. So the practical takeaway is not to seek out one “fountain-of-youth” food, but to include a variety of plant foods in your diet.

Why variety matters

Moskalev stressed that no single food contains all the substances needed for good health. He recommends eating a varied range of plant foods, which helps support diversity in the gut microbiota. Apples can be part of such a diet, but should not be its only component.

The list does not make the foods named interchangeable, either. It gives the number of compounds found in each plant, while the biologist’s advice is about dietary variety overall.

Moderation is a separate condition

The biologist also reminded readers to watch portion sizes. In his assessment, overeating can accelerate aging even when the food contains beneficial substances: the body has fewer resources to defend itself against internal damage.

The next practical step is to combine different plant foods and eat in moderation; apples lead only in the number of compounds listed.