Life expectancy is a phenomenon that is influenced by many factors: environmental, behavioral, socio-demographic and dietary. It is believed that nutrition helps to prolong life and prevent the emergence of fatal diseases. However, scientists have proved that nutrition is far from the main thing.
The modern theory of cell aging
Cellular aging is a slow deterioration of functions at the cellular level and the level of the body.
In total, according to the Hayflick limit theory, which limits the number of cell division at the DNA level, there are three stages of cell aging:
- DNA replication reduction associated with DNA replication
- Decreased synthesis of RNA and related proteins
- Decreased overall protein synthesis rate
It is believed that aging is associated with the oxidation process. The theory of reactive oxygen species (ROS) suggests that free radicals cause damage at the cellular and tissue levels. To recover from microtraumas, the body synthesizes new cells, but due to the natural limitation of the division cycle, it ceases to cope with time. Then life-threatening diseases arise: injuries of bones and joints, tumors, and more.
What do scientists say
You can find many materials in which the main advice of the authors is to eat a lot of vegetables, fruits and berries. However, a cup of blueberries per day is not enough to stop a powerful biological process. A healthy diet really affects our well-being, muscle strength, speed of thinking and other factors, but it can not give us eternal life.
The mitochondrial theory of radical aging (MFRTA), first proposed back in the 1950s, as we noted above, explains the aging process as a result of “oxidative stress”. This theory is confirmed by some laboratory results, during which they noticed the dependence of the life span of the animal on its metabolic rate. Studies have also shown that increasing antioxidant levels in animals increases their lifespan.
Nutritional restriction was established as the main factor slowing down the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are the most common free radicals in the body – they cause aging.
Theory gaps
It would seem that one can stop on the spot and stop exploring this topic, taking the theory as an axiom. However, scientists decided to study the topic more deeply: over the past ten years they have been interviewing MFRTA researchers and have noticed that not all the theories of the theory agree with practice.
More detailed practical animal studies suggest that long-lived animals have a low level of ROS damage simply because their body naturally produces less free radicals. In fact, the entire association of oxidative damage with longevity is being destroyed.
What really affects aging
Although the MFRTA was a useful and developed scientific hypothesis, its controversial points will soon be disproved by inquisitive scientists. So leave expensive antioxidant supplements on store shelves – you don’t need them. As for the recipe for youth and vitality at an older age, the main thing is good genes and regular exercise.
