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Life Tips 24/06/2025 00:55

Have you ever wondered why all old people have a certain smell? Here's why "old people smell" happens—and the superfood you can eat to help prevent it

Why ‘old people smell’ happens — and the superfood you can eat to help prevent it

That Distinct “Old People Smell” Has a Surprising Cause — and One Superfood Might Help Prevent It

There are few scents as instantly identifiable — or as unpleasant — as what’s commonly known as “old people smell.”
Often described as a combination of musty mothballs, damp cardboard, dusty basements, and stale pantry items, this odor has long been thought to be a natural part of getting older. But according to one longevity expert, there’s more going on beneath the surface — and one powerful food may hold the key to banishing the smell from within.

“That smell comes from a process called lipid peroxidation on the skin’s surface,” says Leslie Kenny, founder of Oxford Healthspan and a certified Bulletproof coach, in a conversation with The Post.
“As we age, antioxidant levels decline and cellular turnover slows down, so the compounds responsible for the smell linger.”

Kenny compares this internal process to “rusting” inside the body. The culprit? A chemical compound known as 2-nonenal, which is produced when omega-7 fatty acids in sebum — the oil naturally found on skin — break down due to oxidation.

Why Aging Amplifies the Aroma

Over time, the body’s natural defense system against oxidation weakens. This allows more lipid peroxidation to occur, which leads to the buildup of 2-nonenal. Unfortunately, this isn’t like regular body odor that you can mask or wash away.
“You can’t just take a shower or put on perfume and expect it to disappear,” Kenny explains.
“The scent isn’t removed with typical hygiene routines because the underlying problem — slow cell renewal and persistent oxidized fats — remains.”
The Fungus Fix: Mushrooms to the Rescue

Rather than trying to cover the smell with fragrances, Kenny recommends an “inside-out” strategy — and mushrooms are the star of the show.

Mushrooms are rich in ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects that helps prevent the oxidation of skin lipids, stopping the source of the odor before it begins.

In addition to fresher scent benefits, ergothioneine has been associated with sharper cognitive performance, with some studies suggesting mushroom-rich diets can cut the risk of memory decline by as much as 50%.

Mushrooms also contain spermidine, a naturally occurring compound known to activate autophagy — the cellular cleanup process that clears out damaged parts of cells and supports regeneration. Autophagy is vital for slowing the aging process, improving metabolism, defending against disease, and even minimizing unwanted odors.

Among all varieties, shiitake and oyster mushrooms stand out for their high concentrations of both ergothioneine and spermidine.

The Hormonal Connection

According to Kenny, the unwelcome scent results from a combination of declining hormone levels and reduced cell renewal as we age.
“As hormone levels drop, the likelihood of this odor increases, and because aging skin doesn’t regenerate as quickly, the scent tends to stick around,” she said.
With their dual benefits — ergothioneine to prevent oxidation and spermidine to boost cellular renewal — mushrooms offer a powerful, natural way to counter this issue.
“Mushrooms are ideal both as a preventive measure and as a remedy,” Kenny emphasized.
During stages like perimenopause and menopause, she recommends increasing consumption of mushrooms to help delay or reduce the onset of age-related odors. And for older adults already experiencing the smell, mushrooms can support faster skin cell turnover and reduce buildup from within.

Beyond Scent: The Overall Health Perks

The benefits of mushrooms extend far beyond fresher skin. Studies have shown that regular mushroom intake may help slow tumor growth, reduce blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, protect brain function, and support strong bones.
Additional research has linked mushroom consumption with lower risks of breast and prostate cancers.
According to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, mushroom extracts are frequently used alongside conventional cancer therapies in Japan and China, thanks to their high vitamin D content, which plays a key role in supporting the immune system.

So if you're looking to stay sharp, smell fresh, and age gracefully, consider adding more mushrooms to your meals — they just might be the ultimate anti-aging superfood hiding in plain sight.

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