(10-02-11) Resveratrol, curcumin and berries assist cellular housekeeping and slow aging

by John Phillip, citizen journalist


(NaturalNews) Every cell in our body generates waste that must be removed to
preserve normal function. This process is called autophagy and is known to
decline in efficiency as we age. When excess cellular debris is allowed to
accumulate in our cells, normal function is altered and the cell begins to
deteriorate. This paves the way for accelerated aging and chronic illnesses
including many cancer lines and neurologic disorders such as Alzheimer`s
disease. Cutting edge research underscores the importance of natural nutrients
such as resveratrol, curcumin, berries and leafy greens to induce autophagy and
lower the risks associated with premature aging.

Resveratrol Triggers Natural Cellular Housekeeping
Resveratrol is a powerful nutrient that has been shown to directly influence
genes that regulate metabolic mechanisms and promote longevity. In addition to
mimicking the effect of calorie restriction, resveratrol is emerging as a
compound that can be used to assist the removal of cellular debris and improve
efficiency.

The result of a study published in the Impact Journal on Aging demonstrates
how resveratrol triggers autophagy in otherwise dormant cells. Resveratrol is
shown to activate a series of proteins known as SIRT 1 that protect the
delicate functional structures within the cell body and stimulate waste
removal. This action effectively sets off a chain of events that leads to
improved cellular efficiency and anti-aging characteristics.

Curcumin is a Powerful Anti-Cancer Agent
Curcumin has a long history as an effective weapon in the fight against cancer
and as an anti-aging nutrient. Derived from curry powder, curcumin has been
shown to initiate normal cell death in abnormal cancer cells in a process
called apoptosis. The nutrient works on cellular DNA to stimulate the removal
of waste debris, and it can target precancerous tumor cells to undergo
programmed destruction.

Information published in the British Journal of Cancer explains that curcumin
targets several death pathways in cancer cells. Researchers found the curry
extract to be particularly effective in cancers of the digestive tract and
esophagus and concluded, "it is likely that curcumin and indeed some of its
bioavailability-enhanced analogues are realistic options to be considered in
the future for targeted molecular cancer prevention and treatment."

Berries and Leafy Greens Found to be Neuroprotective
Blueberries, strawberries and spinach are natural foods that exhibit a strong
protective shield to the aging brain. An analysis published in The Journal of
Neuroscience demonstrates the capacity of these super foods to induce
autophagy. Berries and leafy greens are packed with polyphenols and
anthocyanins that convey powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
to these foods.

The study authors found that compounds in berries and spinach were able to
cross the blood-brain barrier and directly influence the functional capacity of
neurons. The lead study author noted "the findings from this research suggest
that nutritional intervention with fruits and vegetables may play an important
role in reversing the deleterious effects of aging on neuronal function and
behavior."

Cellular housekeeping is an essential task that determines our rate of aging
and risk of developing chronic disease. In addition to proper diet and regular
exercise, health-minded individuals can take advantage of natural nutrients
such as resveratrol and curcumin and foods like berries and spinach to maximize
cellular autophagy and extend our natural lifespan.

Article References:
http://www.impactaging.com/papers/v...
http://www.nature.com/cddis/journal...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...
http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/reprin...
http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v...

News

---

In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.