Once again about the benefits of a low-calorie diet
Hunger protects chromosomes and reduces cancer risk
Details of this study can be found in the journal PLoS ONE (Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Synergizes with Calorie Restriction to Increase Health Span and Extend Mouse Longevity).
One of the indicators of cell health is the state of DNA and chromosomes, because any damage to these structures can lead to serious diseases and activation of aging processes. Maria Blasco, director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, head of the telomere and telomerase research group, and her colleagues found that a prolonged reduction in the caloric content of food offered to mice leads to an elongation of telomeres – protective "caps" on chromosomes. This protects DNA and genetic material from damage.
During the experiment, the researchers reduced the caloric intake of 3-month-old mice by 40 percent and monitored their health for the rest of their lives. "We noticed that with age in this mouse, the length of telomeres shortened less rapidly than in mice on a regular diet," the author of the study writes. – This is due to the increased production of telomerase proteins in them. Even in adulthood, their telomeres remained long, and the number of chromosomal mutations was minimal."
These mice also had a 40 percent reduced incidence of cancer and diseases associated with old age – osteoporosis, impaired glucose metabolism or problems with movement coordination. In general, such mice lived 20 percent longer than their relatives receiving normal nutrition.
This study proves once again that a person's lifestyle can directly affect their health and longevity. Along with factors such as smoking and physical activity, nutrition also makes a huge contribution to the quality of human life.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru25.01.2013