1. Free radical levels in our body has to be maintained in a small quantity to make them helpful to our body. Excessive free radicals generated by the chemical process-- oxidation, are found to accelerate your aging. Because free radicals can acquire electron from other molecules in our body thereby left that molecule and/or cell damaged. Excess free radicals are very easily generated in our body through oxidation by environmental pollutions and radiations (sun UV light).
Antioxidants is a group of molecules that can neutralize free radicals thereby is a common component in anti-aging skin care creams and anti-aging super foods/supplements.
2. Glycation here is a term referring to a type of chemical reaction between amino acids of the protein and aldehydes (such as glucose, sugar, called glycating agents). The glycating agents can cross link 2 proteins to form AGE (advanced glycation end products) by forming covalent bonds between protein and itself. AGE is very harmful to our body in that they can bind to cells causing them to produce toxic chemical by-products. Moreover, AGE can cause the production of free radicals which in turn produce more aldehydes glycating agent thereby forming a vicious cycle that will accelerate your aging. The only natural substance discovered so far that is able to counteract glycating agents is an expensive dipeptide nutrient called carnosine. The effect of glycation is reflected as unsightly wrinkled skin. Glycation is also an underlying cause of age-related catastrophes including the neurologic, vascular, and eye disorders. Glycation is commonly measured in the body by estimating or monitoring the blood levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (Hba1c).
3. Methylation refers to the chemical reaction whereby molecules containing methyl group can be linked to various constituents of protein, DNA and other molecules. Methylation in our body has to be balanced in order to keep proteins, DNA and other molecules function well. Homocysteine is a byproduct of methionion-protein complex whereby Methionion (an amino acid methylating agent) regulates an important methylation reaction in our body by methylating protein or DNA. When homocysteine is in excess in our body, it is found to accelerate telemore (a structure involved in cell division) destruction and thereby causing or accelerating the aging process. However, methylation of certain part of DNA can in fact turn off unnecessary or toxic genes and can block division of abnormal cells thereby prevent aging caused by these abnormal cells. How does our body balance methylation? There are three groups of molecules in our body regulate to balance methylation. They are vitamin B (B6 and B12), TMG (Tri-Methyl-Glycine, also known as Betaine), and SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine). As aging progresses, Vitamin B functioning as a cofactor in methylation reaction tend to become less efficient. SAMe is one of the most effective methylating agent in the body formed by binding methionion to ATP (adenosine triphosphate--the well known cellular energy molecule).
4. It is proposed that Chronic Inflammation is the cause of many age related damage, because excessive inflammation also produces excessive toxic chemicals which not only eliminate bacteria, but also destroy normal body tissues. One example phenomenon of excessive inflammation is excitotoxicity in which brain cells are over-excited. Another component in inflammation is TNF (tumor necrosis factor), excess TNF stimulates the degeneration of brain and nerves. Omega-s fish oil has been used for anti-inflammatory purposes, however it only deal with one component of inflammation. The best known natural
calorie restriction mimics resveratrol (an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant) has been used to keep TNF as low as possible
5. DNA degeneration is an aging process in which DNA lose its ability to interact with RNA, the molecule directs the translation and synthesis of protein. The degeneration can then be passed on to the new cells after DNA replication and cell division and accelerate the aging. Therefore, bio-active DNA repair molecules are an integral part of anti-aging super foods.
6. It is proposed that aging was partially a result of deficiency in energy production in the cell's mitochondria. In the presence of reduced mitochondrial function, cells become defective and lack the energy needed to effectively repair mutated or damaged DNA. This theory about the correlation of cell energy depletion and aging have been validated by many published scientific studies since its proposal.
In conclusion, the six causes of aging described above are not isolated. Rather the 6 causes of aging are interrelated. Many free radicals can also increase glycation (AGE). To see more detailed picture of Aging Process, visit our
anti-aging web site
