Super Nutrients Stimulate Longevity Genes and Promote Health

Thursday, October 14, 2010 by: John Phillip
Tags: longevity, genes, health news

(NewsTarget) The benefits of calorie restriction have been known for the past 75 years and provide an important means to increase lifespan. Scientists continue to uncover the evolved biological mechanisms that have been shown to extend life and improve health in animals and mammals alike. Eating too much burdens our ability to properly metabolize such a large number of calories and raises the risk of disease. Excess energy from food also influences our genes that regulate aging. The good news is that you can experience the health benefits of calorie restriction by supplementing with targeted nutrients.

Reducing Calories by 25% Increases Lifespan
Our body is very sensitive to the amount of energy we consume from food each day and scientists have discovered a highly evolved set of genes known as silent information regulators (SIR) that control metabolism and influence our health in an effort to secure our survival. Reducing calories by a quarter has been demonstrated to increase lifespan and improve all aspects of aging including gene expression, DNA repair, oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.

High calorie processed foods negatively impact our genes through wild blood sugar swings, insulin resistance and lipid abnormalities. Researchers have found that natural chemical compounds which have evolved to protect fruits and vegetables are able to activate our SIR genes and replicate many of the age reversal effects of caloric restriction.

Resveratrol is a Powerful Antioxidant
Extensive research has documented the antioxidant properties of resveratrol as this polyphenol substance has been shown to prevent oxidative damage that fuels the aging process. The results of a study published in the journal Cell show how resveratrol improves the function of cellular powerhouses known as mitochondria by up regulating the action of the SIR genes. Researchers found that this provided protection against metabolic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease by decreasing oxidative stress on the cell.

Grape Seed Extract Absorbs Free Radicals
Every time you eat, walk or breathe you create free radicals as part of normal metabolism. These tiny particles wreak havoc on the cellular matrix of our cells and are particularly damaging to our brain. Grape seed extract has been shown to decrease free radical induced protein oxidation that affects the electrical conductivity of neurons in the brain. Information published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry document the ability of grape seed extract to modify genes which control brain inflammation and may improve cognitive function and memory.

Quercetin Reduces Systemic Inflammation
Quercetin is a super nutrient found in many fruits and vegetables, and it has been shown to exert influence on our genes that control the release of inflammatory chemicals known as cytokines in our body. Cytokines increase levels of inflammation and are known to cause damage to the vascular system, and they play a role in cancer initiation. A diet high in fresh vegetables and leafy greens will ensure that you consume this valuable nutrient in your diet, although it may be necessary to supplement to attain optimal benefit.

Nature has bestowed us with a host of nutrients which directly influence our genes and cellular function. Calorie restriction is a proven method to alter our genes toward improved health and longevity. We can take advantage of natural nutrients that provide similar benefits.

Article References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18691046
http://www.cell.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867406...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15612770

About the author

John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.