Inside the Cell’s Engine Room: What Mitochondria Actually Do (and How to Supercharge Them)

Inside the Cell’s Engine Room: What Mitochondria Actually Do (and How to Supercharge Them)

If you’re tired by lunchtime, blaming “being busy” or “kids/dogs/that one manager,” you’re only half right. The truth is, the real MVPs—or villains—are your mitochondria: the microscopic power stations inside your cells, cranking out the energy that gets you through everything from Monday mornings to marathon Netflix sessions.

Want to give your mitochondria a helping hand?
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👉 Quercetin: https://nurix.uk/products/quercetin
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What Are Mitochondria (and Why Do They Care If You Eat Another Greggs)?

Mitochondria are often called the “powerhouses of the cell.” That’s underselling it—they’re more like the world’s tiniest battery factories, turning what you eat (samosas, salads, and yes, the occasional crisp sandwich) into adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the real “energy currency” of your body .

But here’s the mind-blowing bit:

- Each cell can have hundreds to thousands of mitochondria, depending on how much energy it needs.

- Mitochondria are also in charge of cell signalling, cell death (cheery), and helping regulate your metabolism and immunity .

So, if you ever feel like your brain is buffering, your muscles are flatlining, or your “get up and go” has long since left, you might have a mitochondrial crisis, not just a caffeine shortage.

Source: Mitochondria are often called the “powerhouses of the cell,” tirelessly turning what you eat into ATP—the energy that keeps your brain alert and your legs moving (Nunnari & Suomalainen, 2012).


A Tiny History Lesson: How Mitochondria Became the Boss

Strap in for a wild fact: your mitochondria weren’t always yours. Billions of years ago, they were free-living bacteria that got “swallowed” by another cell. Instead of being digested, they stuck around, started doing energy admin, and—voilà—evolution’s original outsourcing deal .
This is why mitochondria have their own DNA. And, like any good flatmate, if you don’t look after them, chaos ensues.

Source: Gray, M.W. (2014). The Pre-Endosymbiont Hypothesis: A New Perspective on the Origin and Evolution of Mitochondria. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 6(5), a016097.


Mitochondria Gone Wrong: Ageing, Fatigue, and General Malaise

When mitochondria are in top shape, you feel unstoppable. But, thanks to time (cheers, ageing), pollution, stress, and poor lifestyle choices (hello, bottomless brunch), mitochondria can become sluggish, get damaged, or even start self-destructing.

The results?

- Fatigue

- Muscle weakness

- Brain fog

- Poor recovery

- A creeping sense you’ve aged five years after one late night

Science shows that mitochondrial function declines with age—and this decline is a key factor in ageing itself, as well as diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems .

Source: Sun, N., Youle, R.J., & Finkel, T. (2016). The Mitochondrial Basis of Aging. Molecular Cell, 61(5), 654–666.


How to Supercharge (or At Least Rescue) Your Mitochondria

NMN: The Mitochondrial Mechanic

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a molecule that helps your body make more NAD⁺, which mitochondria need to keep the energy flowing. Think of it as oil for your cell engines.
Animal studies (and early human research) show NMN supplementation can boost NAD⁺, improve energy metabolism, and enhance mitochondrial function .

Source: NMN is like rocket fuel for your mitochondria—animal studies show that long-term NMN supplementation can slow down age-related decline, helping mice stay sprightlier for longer (Mills et al., 2016).


Resveratrol: The Mitochondria Motivator

No, not from chugging wine—actual resveratrol, found in grapes and berries, activates sirtuins (a sort of mitochondrial “fitness instructor”). Sirtuins tell your mitochondria to multiply and repair themselves.
Resveratrol has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and protect cells from oxidative stress (aka rust for your insides) .

Source: Resveratrol works its magic by activating your sirtuin pathways—think of them as your mitochondria’s personal trainers. In mice, resveratrol helped them live longer and healthier, even on a high-calorie diet (Baur et al., 2006).


Quercetin: The Cellular Shield

Quercetin, a plant flavonoid found in onions, apples, and tea, acts like bubble wrap for your mitochondria.
It’s a potent antioxidant, shown to protect mitochondrial membranes from damage and reduce fatigue during exercise .

Source: Quercetin isn’t just another antioxidant hype—it’s actually been shown to help your cells build more mitochondria (yes, actual cellular upgrades) and improve exercise endurance, at least if you’re a mouse with a gym membership (Davis et al., 2009).


So, Should You Obsess Over Your Mitochondria? (Yes, But Not in a Weird Way)

If you want more energy, a sharper mind, or just to keep up with that one overachieving friend, give your mitochondria some TLC:

- Move more, eat real food, sleep.

- And if you want the next level, look at NMN, Resveratrol, and Quercetin—all supported by actual science, not just memes.

Ready to upgrade your cellular engines?
👉 NMN: https://nurix.uk/products/nicotinamide-mononucleotide-nmn
👉 Resveratrol: https://nurix.uk/products/trans-resveratrol
👉 Quercetin: https://nurix.uk/products/quercetin
Get exclusive offers and actual helpful tips here: https://nurix.uk/pages/get-exclusive-health-tips-offers


Disclaimer

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not a medical product. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new dietary supplement.

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