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Restricting your calorie intake has been linked to activating an anti-aging gene system based on Sirtuin1. Now a new British animal study shows that eating less also increases the length of telomeres, another important part of aging.
Telomeres key to longevity
Telomeres are found at the ends of chromosomes and maintain cell replication. Every time a cell replicates, the length of the telomeres shorten a little. Sooner or later they become too short and can't replicate anymore, dying off at this point. Theoratically, telomeres should be able to replicate for 120 years.
However certain environmental factors and issues have been know to reduce the length of telomeres at quicker rates. This includes pollutants and stress. Similarly, some nutrients protect the length of telomeres. These include vitamin supplements, resveratol (from grapes) and fish oil.
Study proves its never too late to start eating less
The study also showed that starting to eat lesser food late in life could still help protect telomere length. This comes as good news for older Australians looking to increase their longevity and overall quality of life.
