Recent research has uncovered a specific enzyme in vegetables that has the potential to slow some of the effects and conditions of aging.

A paper published in Cell Metabolism by researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine reports that the compound, when given to mice, negates several of the biological problems of aging. The substance, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is also found in several natural foods–including cucumbers, edamame, and broccoli.

When given infusions of NMN, the animals demonstrated improved eyesight, lower weight gain, and were able to convert food into energy at a much more efficient rate. Moreover, the report stated that the mice were able to prevent some of the genetic changes associated with aging. The lower rates of age-related diseases have led scientists to believe that–essentially–the mice will live longer.

While the findings have been limited to the experiments conducted with mice, the research team is spearheading an early study on people by utilizing NMN pill supplements. The findings further confirm the discovery and potential of other anti-aging compounds that have proven success in animal studies, including the diabetes drug metformin, rapamycin, and sirtuins–all of which are also involved in the energy-making process.

The ability to keep cells young provides a critical foundation for the potential to stop, or at least slow, diseases that manifest as cells age and gradually lose their overall function. This unprecedented information will help develop and solidify the infrastructure for future research with humans, which could have incredible and far-reaching consequences across the globe.