"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." The quote, attributed to the Greek physician, Hippocrates, encapsulates the importance of nutrition and the extraordinary ability of certain foods to enhance our wellbeing. In this episode of the LLAMA podcast, we explore the rich array of benefits to be gained from plant foods and natural products and discover why foods rich in compounds known as phytochemicals are hugely beneficial in preventing some chronic conditions. Dr. Navindra Seeram is a professor at the University of Rhode Island, College of Pharmacy.  A leading researcher in the science of plant foods,  Dr. Seeram explains how, growing up in South America, with a tradition of using food as medicine, he first became aware of the potent power of plants.  We delve into the unique components of pomegranate and other fruits, which can be used by the body to boost mitochondrial health.  This LLAMA podcast episode is produced in association with Amazentis, an innovative life science company dedicated to employing breakthrough research and clinical science to bring advanced therapeutic nutrition products to life, under its Timeline brand.Disclosures: Dr. Seeram serves on the scientific advisory board of Amazentis, independently from his position with the University of Rhode Island.  In this interview we cover:Growing up in British Guiana, a poor Third World country, learning about the power of plants as medicines. Developing a career as a natural product chemist.Understanding the anthocyanins or the pigments which make cherries red, blueberries blue, strawberries red and pomegranates red.Defining phytonutrients and phytochemicals.Deriving drugs from natural sources like plants.Revealing the multi-layered qualities of the pomegranate.Trillions of gut bacteria and why they are vital to the way we function.The importance of urolithin A as FlexBeam red light therapyRecharge Health is offering a discount on the purchase of FlexBeam, the wearable red light therapy device which targets key parts of the body to improve sleep/treat injuries/sooth aches/pains.  Sale price US$369 (down from $449) + an extra $10 off use code equinox  Sale ends Sept 21: 0259 PST DoNotAgeDoNotAge.org is offering listeners to LLAMA a 10% discount on its range of products – NAD boosters, Sirtuin activators, senolytics and more.  Any health queries can be answered by emailing the team at hello@donotage.orgUse the code LLAMA at checkout. - Time-line Mitopure (a highly pure form of Urolithin A) boosts the health of our mitochondria – the battery packs of our cells – and improves muscle strength. Time-line is offering LLAMA listeners a 10% discount on its range of products – Mitopure powders, softgels & skin creams.  Use the code LLAMA at checkout-Support the showThe Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.