“Midi-chlorians are a microscopic life form that resides within all living cells.”
— Qui-Gon Jinn, to Anakin Skywalker

Star Wars fans know midi-chlorians—the mystical entities that connect living beings to the Force. In the real world, we have a similar “energy mediator”—mitochondria.

Ancient symbiosis—like a cosmic legend

About 2 billion years ago, mitochondria were free-living bacteria. They entered into symbiosis with early cells—an alliance that changed the course of evolution and made complex life possible.

The real “M-count”

In Star Wars, a Jedi’s potential is determined by their midi-chlorian count. In biology, a comparable measure exists in the form of:

• the number and quality of mitochondria,

• mitochondrial DNA,

• the efficiency of energy metabolism,

• levels of oxidative stress.

The healthier our mitochondria, the more resilient and enduring the organism.

How to strengthen your own “Force”

• Movement – exercise and training stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis.

• Sleep and recovery – restore cells and reduce stress.

• Nutrition – a balanced diet, caloric restriction, or a ketogenic approach can be beneficial.

• Supplements – Urolithin A, PQQ, and CoQ10 are scientifically studied for mitochondrial support.

A curious fact

Anakin Skywalker had over 20,000 midi-chlorians—more even than Yoda. In the real world, there are no “super Jedi,” but some people do have more efficient mitochondrial systems. This often shows up as greater endurance, faster recovery, and even slower aging.

Midi-chlorians may be fiction, but mitochondria are the real Force within us. They give us the energy to live, create, and grow. By taking care of them, each of us can become “the Chosen One” in our own story.