Scientists discover the nutrient that can supercharge cellular energy

Researchers at the University of Cologne have discovered that leucine, an amino acid found in meat, dairy, and beans, can boost the energy output of mitochondria — the cell's power generators. Leucine works by blocking a protein called SEL1L, which normally destroys key mitochondrial proteins, allowing cells to produce energy more efficiently. The findings, published in Nature Cell Biology, also suggest links to cancer survival and metabolic disease.