1. Free radical levels in our body has to be controlled in a small quantity to make them helpful to our body. However, excess free radicals created 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 more easily created through oxidation by environmental pollutions and radiations. Antioxidant is a group of molecules that can neutralize free radicals thereby is an essential component in anti-aging skin care formulas 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). By forming covalent bond between amino acid in a protein and the glycating agents (aldehydes), the combined molecule can then cross link to other functional protein molecule to form a molecule called AGE (advanced glycation end products). 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 neutralize glycating agents is carnosine (a dipeptide) which is an expensive nutrient. The process of glycation can be superficially seen as unsightly wrinkled skin. Moreover, glycation is also an underlying cause of age-related degenerative diseases including the neurologic, vascular, and eye disorders. Glycation is commonly estimated by monitoring levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (Hba1c) in our blood.

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 must 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. Excess homocysteine has been implicated in aging in that homocysteine is believed to accelerate telemore (a structure involved in cell division) destruction. However, methylation of certain part of DNA can in fact turn off unnecessary or harmful genes and can block division of abnormal cells thereby reverse 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 we age, Vitamin B's function as a cofactor in methylation reaction tend to become less effective. 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 believed 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 component in excess inflammation is excitotoxicity in which brain cells get over-excited. Another chemical factor in inflammation is tumor necrosis factor(TNF), excess TNF promotes 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 is then passed on to the new cells after DNA replication and cell division and therefore accelerate aging. Therefore, bio-active DNA repair molecules are an integral part of anti-aging super foods.

6. It is proposed that aging also results from deficiency in energy production in the cell's mitochondria. Reduced mitochondrial function causes cells to become defective and lack the energy needed to effectively repair mutated or damaged DNA. This proposal about the correlation of cell energy depletion and aging have been proved by published scientific studies since its proposal.

In summary, the six causes of aging described above are not isolated. They are interrelated. Many free radicals can also increase glycation (AGE). To see more detailed picture of Aging Process, visit our web site