The New Superfruit That Could Hold The Secret To Eternal Youth

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​We all want to defy the signs of ageing. As much as we embrace getting older, a clever anti-wrinkle cream or treatment never goes amiss. 

But of course it's not all about cosmetics. There are heaps of hard-working foods that can keep your heart healthy and give wrinkled skin a bit of a strengthening boost. And it's as simple as making a trip to your local supermarket. 

The latest superfood has got us a little excited, not only because it tastes so darn good, it's super cheap and – by all accounts – is brimming with health benefits. 

The pomegranate has been hailed the newest of superfruits. It's packed with anti-ageing ingredients that, according to scientists, strengthen muscles and can also increase life expectancy too. 

Researchers have found that bacteria in the gut transform a molecule contained in the fruit into hard-working anti-ageing chemicals that work to boost mitochondria – these are the power houses of cells that age us as we get older and can lead to muscle weakness.

Degradation of mitochondria has also been linked to diseases such as Parkinson's. 

But researchers from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) have shown that mitochondria can be restored by a molecule called urolithin A.

Pomegranate doesn't contain urolithin A, but it is produced when a molecule in the fruit combines with microbes in the intestines. 

Scientists have already tested the effects of the fruit on worms, whose lifespan increased by 45 per cent. Human clinical trials will begin soon, but scientists are confident they will produce positive results. 

Study co author Professor in Neuroscience and EPFL President Patrick Aebischer, said: 'It's the only known molecule that can relaunch the mitochondrial clean-up process, otherwise known as mitophagy.

'It's a completely natural substance, and its effect is powerful and measurable.'

The researchers warn the production of urolithin A does depend on what bacteria is present in your gut, so may not have the same effects on every single person. But for those that have the right combination, it could be key in fighting the ageing process. 

Professor Johan Auwerx from EPFL said: 'We believe this research is a milestone in current anti-ageing efforts.'

It's worth giving it a go either way. We love the idea of eating something yummy to ward off wrinkles, don't you? 

Pomegranates are great at spicing up a salad or adding sweetness to savoury dishes like salads and grilled meats. Here are a few of our favourite recipes.