Trehalose is a sugar, but it is not like the other sugars. There is a growing amount of research that suggests it has substantial longevity benefits.
1. It protects cells from both dehydration and freezing.*[1] Trehalose is the sugar that waterbears use to stay alive despite extreme conditions of dry, heat, or cold. It is also found in some plants, which help them survive during conditions of drought. Trehalose creates a special complex with water that enables
2. Trehalose inhibits the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques.*[2]
3. Trehalose is an autophagy activator.*[3]
The main concern with any sugar is glycation. Trehalose is composed to two strongly-bonded glucose molecules. This strong bond prevents trehalose from binding to proteins that cause glycation. At the same time, it fuels the essential process that our bodies need sugar for, making it the ideal carbohydrate to use in a longevity plan.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20477758
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16137568
[3] https://www.nature.com/articles/cddis2017501.pdf