Aging is a process that cannot be ignored.
Whether you’re a young person in the prime of your life or a middle-aged person beginning to feel the effects of age, aging is an inevitable part of life.
With the deepening of scientific research, we gradually found that the nature of aging is not irreversible, but can be effectively delayed by some ways.
Its core driving force comes from functional degradation at the cellular level.
This article will take you on a journey to explore the nature of aging and how 10 scientifically approved anti-aging supplements work directly on cells to help us rejuvenate.
essence of aging: a degeneration that begins with cell
From a scientific point of view, aging is a process in which cells gradually decline in function and eventually lead to the degeneration of the body.
The health state of cells determines the health of the whole body, and the aging of cells is mainly reflected in the following four aspects:
1. A decline in mitochondrial function
Mitochondria are the energy factories of the cell and are responsible for supplying ATP to the cell.
As we age, the energy supply of mitochondria becomes insufficient, leaving cells unable to function efficiently.
2. Accumulation of DNA damage
At every moment, the DNA in cells is attacked by a variety of internal and external pressures, including ultraviolet light, environmental toxins, and free radicals produced by metabolism.
If these injuries are not repaired in time, they will lead to cell dysfunction and even death.
3. Free radical attack
Free radicals are by-products produced during metabolism and are highly active.
If the free radicals accumulate too much, they will damage the cell membrane and the proteins in the cell, and eventually lead to cell aging.
4. accumulation of senescent cells
Some cells do not die after losing their function, but enter a pattern called “senescent state.”
Not only do these senescent cells no longer function, but they secrete inflammatory factors that damage the surrounding healthy tissue.
By addressing these key issues at the cellular level, we are expected to effectively slow down the aging process.
Scientists have discovered a number of anti-aging supplements that can act directly on cells, and these components start from different mechanisms to “age” cells.
10 anti-aging tonic ingredients that work on cells
1. NAD+ precursors: heart of energy metabolism
NAD+ precursors (NMN and NR) are key molecules in mitochondrial energy metabolism, which are involved in multiple metabolic processes as coenzymes within the cell.
With age, levels of NAD plummet, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, inadequate energy supplies and a diminished ability to repair DNA.
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide ribose), as premolecules of NAD+, are taken up by cells and are rapidly translated into NAD+, raising the level of coenzymes in cells, thereby restoring mitochondrial function and enhancing cell vitality.
NAD+ is also able to activate the Sirtuins family of proteins, which delay cellular ageing by regulating gene expression, while improving the efficiency of DNA repair and reducing cellular damage due to oxidative stress and inflammation.
2. Resveratrol: Activates longevity genes
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol compound that directly activates SIRT1 protein and is considered an important regulator of the “longevity gene.”
SIRT1 can protect the living environment and function of cells by regulating mitochondrial metabolism and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors.
Resveratrol also improves the antioxidant capacity of cells and reduces DNA and cell membrane damage caused by free radicals.
Studies have shown that resveratrol has a significant protective effect in coping with high-fat diet and metabolic disorders, and can help maintain metabolic homeostasis of cells and reduce functional degradation caused by environmental stress.
It also promotes the improvement of vascular endothelial cell function and enhances the cell’s tolerance to external damage.
3. Coenzyme Q10: the umbrella of mitochondria
Coenzyme Q10 is an endogenous coenzyme that exists widely in mitochondria and directly participates in the energy production of the electron transport chain.
The main function of Coenzyme Q10 is to improve the efficiency of ATP synthesis and provide sufficient energy support for cells.
It also has powerful antioxidant properties and is able to neutralize free radicals produced during mitochondrial metabolism, thereby reducing damage to mitochondrial DNA and membrane structure.
As we age, coQ10 levels gradually decline, leading to impaired mitochondrial function.
Exogenous supplement of coQ10 can help restore the metabolic activity of mitochondria, delay the cellular aging process caused by insufficient energy, and improve the self-repair ability of cells.
4. Astaxanthin: One of strongest antioxidants
The antioxidant capacity of astaxanthin is considered to be one of the strongest natural substances currently available, and its ability to clear free radicals is 6,000 times that of vitamin C.
Astaxanthin molecular structure can neutralize a variety of free radicals, while stabilizing cell membranes and protecting mitochondria from oxidative damage.
It can also reduce the damage of free radicals to cell membrane and mitochondrial membrane by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and increase the level of antioxidant enzymes in cells.
Studies have shown that astaxanthin has a significant protective effect on skin cells and can slow the oxidative damage and aging process caused by ultraviolet light.
It can also improve the internal energy metabolism of cells, maintain the homeostasis of cell function by reducing mitochondrial pressure, and protect immune cells and nerve cells in particular.
5. Quercetin: Clears senescent cells
Quercetin is a natural flavonoid compound that has significant “senescent cell clearing” function.
Senescent cells continue to release inflammatory factors after they lose function, which can have a devastating effect on surrounding healthy cells.
Quercetin can selectively induce apoptosis of senescent cells, thereby improving the tissue microenvironment and releasing the living space of healthy cells.
Quercetin also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that neutralize free radicals and inhibit cell damage from inflammatory responses.
Studies have shown that supplementing quercetin in animal models extends lifespan and improves tissue function associated with aging.
6. Rapamycin: promotes autophagy
Rapamycin regulates cell metabolism and growth rate by inhibiting the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway, while promoting autophagy.
Autophagy is an important mechanism by which cells clean up damaged organs and waste, and its efficiency gradually declines with age.
Rapamycin is able to restore this process, helping cells remove accumulated “junk” and relieve pressure on organelles.
Studies have shown that the effects of rapamycin also include reducing chronic inflammation and boosting immune function, making it one of the most watched substances in the anti-aging field.
By improving the cell metabolic environment, rapamycin effectively delays the rate of tissue degradation.
7. Lipoic acid: regenerative antioxidant
Lipoic acid is a fat-soluble and water-soluble antioxidant capable of directly scavenging free radicals and enhancing the overall antioxidant capacity of cells by regenerating antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
Its main role is to protect mitochondrial function and reduce energy metabolism disorders caused by oxidative stress.
Lipoic acid also regulates the inflammatory response and suppresses the excessive immune response of cells in response to external stimuli.
Studies have shown that lipoic acid has a protective effect on nerve cells and helps improve cognitive decline associated with aging.
8. Glutathione: an intracellular antidote
Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants in cells and is widely involved in cellular detoxification and repair processes.
It can directly neutralize free radicals and protect cell membranes and mitochondria from oxidative damage.
Glutathione also supports DNA repair and reduces apoptosis caused by external stress by regulating the cell cycle.
As we age, the ability to synthesize glutathione decreases, leaving cells more vulnerable to oxidative stress.
Glutathione supplementation increases cellular antioxidant capacity, enhances liver detoxification, and improves immune system response efficiency.
9. PQQ: promotes mitochondrial regeneration
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is a natural compound that promotes mitochondrial regeneration.
It stimulates mitochondria to generate new units by activating signaling pathways within cells, improving the efficiency of energy production in cells.
PQQ also has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce oxidative damage to mitochondria while stabilizing the metabolic balance within the cell.
Studies have shown that PQQ is particularly effective in nerve cell protection, delaying age-related cognitive decline and improving memory and concentration.
10. Curcumin: Natural anti-inflammatory agent
Curcumin is a natural polyphenol compound derived from turmeric, known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It reduces the expression of inflammatory factors by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the damaging effects on cells.
Curcumin can directly react with free radicals to reduce cell membrane and DNA damage caused by oxidative stress.
Studies have shown that curcumin has a significant protective effect on chronic inflammatory diseases (such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease), while improving the living environment of nerve cells and delaying the process of age-related neurodegeneration.
How to apply these anti-aging supplements scientifically?
Although these supplements have shown significant anti-aging effects in experiments, we need to consider our own circumstances in practical application.
Here are some practical tips:
1. Precise selection
Choose the right supplement according to your health condition.
For example, people with poor energy metabolism can choose NMN or coenzyme Q10, while people with chronic inflammation can try quercetin and curcumin.
2. Attention dose
The effect of the supplement is closely related to the dose, but excessive use may cause side effects.
It is recommended to follow medical advice or refer to the dosage recommended by scientific studies.
3. Match lifestyle
The effects of supplements need to be supported by healthy lifestyle habits, a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep are essential.
Future anti-aging science: From cell to body
Scientists are constantly pushing the boundaries of anti-aging research, and efforts to crack aging at the cellular level are gaining more and more results.
With the development of gene editing, artificial intelligence and regenerative medicine, we have reason to believe that the anti-aging means of the future will be more accurate and efficient, so that “eternal youth” from a dream to a reality.
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