Telomerase, also known as the ‘immortality enzyme’, is known to hold back ageing. How does it work and what should you eat to stimulate its production?
As you may know, telomeres are the small caps at the ends of chromosomes responsible for protecting cellular DNA.
Each time our cells self-replicate, telomeres become a little more damaged and shorter. This gradual erosion has the effect of weakening DNA, which in turn has a detrimental effect on cells and on the body.
Telomere-shortening is thus recognised as a key element in the ageing process (1). Short telomeres are associated with a higher risk of age-related diseases.
Telomerase is an enzyme naturally present in the body, responsible for preventing this telomere-shrinking by ensuring both the growth and repair of these protective caps. It’s therefore sometimes referred to as the ‘immortality enzyme’ (2).
However, further studies are needed to accurately determine all its effects. For example, it appears that excessive amounts of telomerase cannot be directly absorbed, which could potentially extend the life of already-aberrant cells.
The scientists responsible for discovering this enzyme in 1985, who included Elizabeth Blackburn and Carol Greider, were awarded the 2009 Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work.
Stress promotes telomere-shortening. So try to lower your stress levels, by using breathing exercises or meditation, changing your perception of events and avoiding sources of anxiety wherever possible.
In addition, minimise your exposure to pollution, which also has a negative impact on telomeres.
Regular exercise, on the other hand, helps to preserve them.
And finally, eating a varied, balanced diet (and avoiding alcohol) plays an important role in activating telomerase, protecting telomeres and thus maintaining good health into old age. Let’s take a look at the best food options.
Telomere length in white blood cells has been found to be positively associated with a diet high in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, algae, seafood, dairy products and coffee and good (3-4). The Mediterranean or Cretan diet, is a good example of such a diet.
Conversely, heavy consumption of red and processed meat and sugary drinks, foods high in oxidants, is associated with shorter telomeres (5).
In general, current studies suggest that anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients may help support telomerase and prevent rapid erosion of telomeres (6). Such nutrients include:
The various compounds studied have been brought together in specific anti-aging supplements for their potential to preserve telomeres and activate telomerase. The products Cycloastragenol and Astragaloside IV, both substances obtained from the medicinal perennial astragalus, appear particularly promising (7).
References
Keywords
6 Days
Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patrick
7 Days
Magnesium and Zinc Orotate are top supplements. Highly recommend!
Kristjan
18 Days
Nothing to complain. Delivers everything fast, attentive to their regular customers. Best experience.
FABIO I.
21 Days
Possibility to enjoy a variety of high quality suppléments. Fast delivery Good packaging Clear information and website
Vov Oo
23 Days
Efficient ordering and delivery. Happy with products. I order fairly regularly. Reliable
Gill Lee
23 Days
Supersmart sell the best products and are effecient when it come to handling and dispatching orders. Also, their return and refund policies is very simple and easy for the customer. The creme on top is the return customer discounts. Keep up the good work.
ABDULQADER Jehad
27 Days
Prompt and reliable.
MIFSUD Joseph
34 Days
I don't use the word great; everything was OK; it is maybe too early to expect an effect of the supplements
STAEHLI C
40 Days
Well,It was yesterday I started using it but I can tell the supplement is working perfect,will definitely still give best comments once I'm done using it ...
ANTHONY Oluwaseun Ugwu
41 Days
Great products, fast delivery.
Nujood ALHADDAD
50 Days
Easy and quick
Derya Iren
51 Days
Quick delivery, big choice of supplements. Good quality.
Val
53 Days
Great vitamins at a great price! I buy Bacillus subtilis which I really can’t find anywhere else which is great for intestinal health. 5 stars to Supersmart Vitamins.
Loli Vaughan
55 Days
Easy way to order. Fast delivery. Transporter FedEx was very polite and called me 1 hour before delivery.
TAJC Katja
57 Days
So far i have really liked the products. The service was fantastic. Delivery from Europe to Australia only took a few days. So good. Thank you.
BROWN Dianna