From Seaweed to Sirtuins: Redicovering Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellbeing

At PhycoHealth, we use science that is deeply rooted in the connections between ecosystems and human health, with the idea that healthy living is in front of us and we need to relearn a few things to get there. But also, that it is not about strict diets or stressful routines: it can actually be simple, colorful, and fun.

A Return to Our Roots

For millennia, humans thrived on real, mostly plsnt-rich foods—including a little seaweed—alongside regular exercise. Over time, industrialisation and fast-food culture led us astray, but science is now “catching up” with what ancient traditions evolved with: whole foods and simple habits provide the foundation for a long, healthy life.

Informed by the Latest Science

This is where we are excited to share our latest collaborative publication with a team of amazing researchers led by a long time research colleague Assoiate Prof. Francesca Fernandez, in the journal Nutrients. Here we dig into the sirtuin proteins (SIRTs) that link diet, exercise, and brain health—revealing how these “age-well proteins” help protect our neurons from oxidative damage and inflammation. By continuing to explore how whole foods, including seaweed, might support SIRT proteins, we’re shining a spotlight on why returning to diverse, unprocessed meals could be one of the best strategies for staying sharp and energised as we age.

In a nutshell, this research is about consolidating the knowledge that:

antioxidant activity in our bodies is in partly driven by a category of proteins that we make, called SIRT proteins - they unlock the door to antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD).
That SIRT proteins decline with aging and are linked to declining neuronal health in our bodies and particularly our brains.
That food polyphenols (like curcumin, resveratrol, quercitin and seaweed polysaccharides) are linked to the production of SIRT proteins and antioxidant health.
That it is never as simple as taking the drug mentality route and concentrating this into a pill, but that whole foods and exercise as well are all interacting factors of good health with aging.

The detail on Sirtuins, and Why They Matter?

Sirtuins (SIRT1 to SIRT7) are specialised proteins in our cells that are known to protect many cellular functions, but of great interest is their role in protecting neurons from damage (crucial for brain function and hearing)by unleashing the power of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD). Think of sirtuins as molecular gatekeepers. They help keep our nerve cells, including those responsible for hearing, memory, and movement, functioning at their peak. With age, sirtuin levels can drop, especially if we live on ultra-processed foods, remain sedentary, or accumulate high oxidative stress. Our paper highlights strong evidence that lifestyle changes—particularly diet and moderate exercise—may help activate or support these proteins naturally.

Ancient Foods, Modern Science

We’ve reached a point where “rocket science” is needed to confirm what was previously intuitive through our evolution, that simple, colourful foods are key to supporting sirtuins and therefore better health for a longer time. While pharmaceutical research often focuses on the intensification of simplistic isolated compounds that show effect develop drugs that activate SIRT pathways, the reality is more complex. Multiple antioxidants and nutrients in whole foods likely act together and with your lifestyle, in ways single supplements cannot fully replicate.

Vegetables, fruits, seeds, seaweed and spices are rich in pigments, polyphenols, and minerals that support cellular health and potentially boost sirtuin activities. Quercetin in onions and capers, curcumin in ginger, anthocyanins in cumin, resveratrol in peanuts and grapes and polyphenols and polysaccharides in seaweeds all show effects on SIRT proteins.

Exercise plays its part, too. Studies indicate it directly influences SIRT3 and SIRT1, contributing to improved metabolism and reduced brain inflammation.

Sparking Wonder Instead of Stress

Despite the overwhelming biochemistry of life, healthy living doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few simple ways to lean into the science without anxiety:

Spice Up (and Power Up) Your Plate: A sprinkle of our Phukka (a blend of seaweed, cumin, and other spices) not only enhances flavour but also provides a variety of bioactive compounds shown to benefit metabolic health and potentially sirtuin function.
Balance Your Breakfast: PhycoMuesli combines the complex carbs of grains with seaweed and cinnamon, served with yoghurt and blueberries, will add an antioxidant punch to your morning routine—no complicated meal prep needed.
Stay Active (Gently): Even a brisk walk, yoga session, or short dance break can activate sirtuin pathways. Charge this with a Sea Cherry anti-oxidant boost and recover with a restful sleep routine to recharge fully.

It’s not that we’ve discovered something brand new; rather, we’re rediscovering what humans have practised for thousands of years: diverse, predominantly plant-rich diets, a bit of seafood or seaweed, regular movement, and good sleep. Now, however, we have cutting-edge science illuminating how these traditions actually protect our neurons and cell functions at the deepest molecular level.

Embrace the Simple, Celebrate the Science

Ultimately, sirtuins remind us that everyday choices—from the colours on our plates to our physical activity—shape how we age at the cellular level. We invite you to explore our full research article (here) if you’d like a deep dive into the world of sirtuins, neuroprotection, and the pathways that connect our lifestyle with healthy ageing. In the meantime, sip, savour, and stroll your way to feeling better every day—and know that we’re just beginning to appreciate the immense wonder and complexity of how life on Earth keeps us well.