Healthy Ageing – What are AGE’s?
AGE stands for “advanced glycation end-products.” These are compounds that naturally form in our bodies from the chemical reaction of sugars with proteins. Glycation products damage the body’s proteins which causes tissues to lose functionality and prematurely age. If the concentration of AGEs becomes excessive in our bloodstream, they can cause damage to almost every tissue and organ in our bodies.
It has been discovered that foods also contain AGEs that may greatly add to the AGE burden in our bodies. High sugar intake and high temperature cooking results in chronic inflammation and accelerated glycation.
Studies show that AGEs may be implicated in development of chronic degenerative diseases such as Cardiovascular disease, Alzheimers and Diabetes.
What can we do to protect ourselves?
Limit sugar, reduce high temperature cooking!
Foods cooked at high temperatures including grilled meats and fried foods can create harmful AGEs. Any food heated to a high temperature causes chemical changes that inflict damage to our cells when we eat that food.
Limit sugar intake! Sugar is extremely pro-inflammatory and creates AGEs. It promotes dangerous growth of fat cells around vital organs, increases insulin levels and decreases receptor sensitivity. Sugar is a major contributor for degenerative diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Nutrients that can help protect against the effects of AGE’s
Carnosine:
Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (Beta-Alanine-L-Histidine), concentrated in the brain and muscles.Carnosine helps neutralize free radicals of oxygen and nitrogen and can sequester or chelate potentially toxic metal atoms. Unfortunately its levels diminish with age. It has been shown to interfere with the glycation process thus helping to support longevity in our most vital organs.
PQQ(Pyrroloquinolinequinone):
Mitochondria (cellular energy generators) are highly exposed to free radical activity, resulting in mitochondrial decay, a sign of ageing. PQQ protects against mitochondrial destruction and promotes renewed cellular function. PQQ is an essential nutrient supporting heart health, cognitive function and mitochondrial health. Healthy genes support healthy body weight, normal fat and sugar metabolism and youthful cell regeneration.
Ubiquinol:
Ubiquinol is the antioxidant form of CoQ10 that helps the body manage free radicals. Ubiquinol may offer improved bioavailability in individuals that have difficulty in achieving high levels of this nutrient, such as ageing adults or those concerned with nutrient absorption
R-Lipoic Acid:
R Lipoic Acid – ‘The Universal antioxidant’ - It has the ability to quench a wide variety of free radicals. Supports healthy mitochondrial function and youthful cellular energy. It also recycles antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C and E.
