TOP 5 MOLECULES THAT EXTEND LIFESPAN

Longevity is about increasing lifespan in a way that an individual's biology is functional and youthful for a longer period of time.
Here we take you through the top 5 molecules that potentially boost your life expectancy, or let’s say extend longevity, and can be included in one’s way of living and consuming.

1. NMN (Nicotinamide mononucleotide)

The bio-enzyme that drives more than 500 processes in the human body! NMN is a naturally occurring nucleotide molecule like DNA or RNA that is used to produce NAD+, another beneficial biomolecule that plays a role in the chemical processes that generate energy in the body. NMN also influences various other aspects of the ageing process, such as :-

• Improving the performance of the mitochondria, aka "Powerhouse Of The Cell", to generate cellular energy through the body.
• Increased mental cognition, including better mental clarity, higher concentration and enhanced memory function.

2. Resveratrol

Resveratrol is also a naturally occurring compound known for its antioxidant and anti-ageing properties. This compound is mostly in the skins and seeds of grapes, berries, nuts & cocoa. These parts of the grape are included in the fermentation of red wine, hence its particularly high concentration of resveratrol.
Some of it’s benefits include

• The anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol makes it a good remedy for arthritis and skin inflammation.
• It helps in protection against ageing-related diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
• It lengthens chromosomes’ ends, i.e., telomeres, and activates a DNA repair gene called SIRT1.

3. Pterostilbene

Pterostilbene is an antioxidant found in many plants, including almonds, grape leaves and vines, and blueberries, and helps slow the ageing process by helping the body to manage inflammation, improving the epigenome and protecting the DNA. It’s other benefits :-

• Pterostilbene reduces protein accumulation, which is one of the drivers of ageing.
• Activates AMPK, an important enzyme that can protect cells against ageing.
• Increases the production of powerful antioxidant enzymes, protecting the cells against oxidative damage.

4. AKG (Alpha Ketoglutarate)

Is a small molecule naturally produced in our body but the levels of AKG reduces as we age. It is used by the mitochondria, which convert this substance into energy, but alpha-ketoglutarate has various other functions in the body including amino acid production and cellular signalling.

• AKG increases protein synthesis to enhance bone tissue formation in the skeletal muscles.
• It is also used by cells for healing from injuries, especially in the healing of muscle tissue.
• Is an intermediary metabolite of the Krebs cycle -a complex chain of reactions that generates energy from nutrients.

5. Fisetin

• Fisetin is a type of plant chemical responsible for giving them bright colours.
• Its main benefit is that it can kill zombie cells which cause ageing in our body.

When we talk about lifespan, it is important to take into consideration the fact that most of the later decades of an individual are spent suffering from the perils of age-related diseases. In addition to the constant advancement of healthcare services and products, human longevity has expanded substantially over the last few decades aided by means of improved lifestyle choices, food and sleeping habits.

While these molecules don't answer all the mysteries of ageing yet when used in conjunction with good practices, one may be able to slow down the ageing process and reap the benefits of improved health!