Longevity in Good Health

In 2005, the average life expectancy of Americans was 77.8 years. But somewhere in the Andes Mountains there are people who have life expectancies of 100 years of age. This is the highest in the world. Wanting to live longer and in good health is something that every American wants. The people that live in the Andes Mountains have the same wishes, only theirs are stronger because of stronger family values.

So what makes about a small village in the mountains can give humans such a long life? The food and water in the mountains tend to be the answer for most. People all around the world notice that nature and science can bring a lot of hope for long life. The perfect combination of trace minerals and other elements are the key to maintaining a balanced body and longevity.

Keeping a healthy diet is what we can do to increase our longevity. It is not always possible to just up and move to the mountains because that’s where many people live life into there 100’s. So the only thing we can do it exercise, eat healthy, and drink plenty of water.

Increasing the amount of organic fruit you eat is going to do a lot for your body.

Eating the proper serving amount of fruit a day is going to give you antioxidants and vitamins that you need to live a long and healthy life as well as avoid pesticides that will harm your body.

Eating double servings of organic vegetables will also help you live a long and healthy life. Eating less meat will also help. If taking meat out of your diet is not going to work for you even just eating leaner less fatty meats will help to keep your longevity by protecting your heart. Foods like fish, turkey and chicken are leaner meats.

Avoiding any foods that have chemical ingredients can improve your health and longevity greatly. Some of them have high fructose corn syrup or other concentrated sugars, they can cause metabolic syndrome and can lead to higher risks of diabetes. Other chemicals and non natural ingredients can cause lots of other problems as well.

Foods that are unnatural were not meant to be digested by our bodies. Most of the stuff we put into or body is useless junk. Our bodies are not going to get any nutrients out of a cheeseburger from a fast food joint. Not giving your body the proper nutrients it needs is not going to help you live a long life.

Drinking tons of green tea will give you lots of antioxidants to decrease your chances of developing high blood pressure and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Drinking green tea can reduce your risk of developing many health risks by 65%. Drinking a glass of red wine 4 or 5 times a week can reduce the risk of getting diabetes, heart attacks, and other life threatening health risks as well.

Bell’s Longevity in Good Health is a product to help people increase their life span and avoid illness to stay in good health for many years into their long life. It has all natural ingredients and is safe to take on a daily basis. Some this products all natural ingredients are rosemary, carnosine, polyphenols, and lipoic acid.

How To Improve Your Average Longevity

The number of years of existence determined by heredity or genetics at the same time by certain environmental factors is termed as longevity. Average longevity and maximum longevity are the two types of longevity.

Average longevity – is commonly known as average life expectancy which refers to the age wherein half of the persons who were born in a specific year could have died. Maximum longevity is the oldest age in which any person lives. Average longevity is affected by both heredity or genetics and environmental factors.

Average life expectancy – also means life span. This differs with vulnerability to diseases, accidents, homicide or suicide. This is calculated for people at any age. With few exceptions, 30,000 days is the average life expectancy – 40,000 days if you are fortunate. Though, 2,000 years ago, the average human life span was less than twenty years or about 7,000 days.

Bacteria, accidents, predators, changes in weather and insufficient supply of dependable food source were the causes of short, dirty and vicious existences. This is so, if people survived birth. Infant death rates ranged from 300 or 400 per 1,000 live births in the eighteenth century, while there are only 7 deaths per 1,000 live births today.

Japan has the longest average longevity of 80 years, as reported by government figures. Likewise, in the United States, a baby who was born these days can anticipate to live up to 77 years. Fascinatingly these numbers keep on rising not only to those developed countries but all throughout the world.

Some environmental factors that affect average longevity:

1. Diseases like cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s disease

2. Lifestyle such as smoking and exercises

3. Toxins – environmental pollutants encountered primarily like air and water pollutants are continuing dilemmas. Poisons in fish, bacteria and carcinogenic chemicals in drinking water and airborne contaminants are major causes in shortening life span.

4. Social class – the impact of social class in life expectancy is the outcome of decreased access to goods and services especially on medical care that stresses out to most tribal minority groups, the poor and many adults.

The depressing part regarding most environmental factors is that people are responsible for them. Denying sufficient care to everyone continues to contaminate our environment, failing to attend the essential causes of poverty have indisputable consequences. They needlessly cut down lives and significantly increase the charge of health care.

Some significant factors effecting life expectancy includes: gender, genetics, access to health care, hygiene, diet and nutrition, exercises, lifestyle and crime rates. Recent increases in the rates in lifestyle diseases, like obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases may radically slow down or reverse the tendency toward increasing life span in the developed universe.

Customary arguments have a tendency to favor socio-environmental factors also affect life expectancy; historically, men have usually consumed more alcohol, tobacco and drugs than women in most societies so they are more likely to die from plenty of associated illnesses like lung cancer, tuberculosis and cirrhosis of the liver.

Men are more susceptible to die from injuries, either it is unintentional like car accidents or intentional such as suicide, violence or war. Men are also at risk of dying because of most primary causes of deaths in the U. S. which include: cancer of respiratory system, accidents caused by motor vehicles, suicide, liver cirrhosis, coronary heart diseases and emphysema.

Based on socio-environmental effects on mortality, women still have prolonged life expectancy. This genetic difference happens since women have more resistance to sickness and other degenerative illnesses.

To improve average longevity, some of the ways to follow are:

1. Diet and nutrition – eating the right and nutritious food will help improve life span. Diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension, obesity and others can be avoided by taking balanced and nutritious foods.

2. Exercises – doing physical activities regularly, help people in lowering their weight and will get rid of related diseases because of weight.

3. Taking vitamins – it has been proven that taking good multivitamins will aid to add life span. Multivitamins act as fillers to the diet for nutrients and minerals that the body needs.

4. Lifestyle – by improving your way of living, like minimizing smoking, use of drugs and other vices.

The Secret of Longevity

AS A normal person, you would like to live for a long, long time. But how long can you expect to live? What is the limit of the human life span? Can you do anything to extend your life span? What is the secret of longevity? These are good questions, and finding the answer to them might help you to live much longer than seems possible at present.

Before looking for these answers, we have to clarify the difference between two important expressions: “life span” and “life expectancy.” Life span refers to the biological limit to the length of life. Life expectancy refers to the average number of years that a group of people born at the same time might be expected to live. Sadly, throughout history man’s life expectancy has fallen far short of his life span.

Life Expectancy at Various Times

“In a man’s length of days he may see and suffer many things that he much mislikes. For I set the limit of man’s life at seventy years.” These were the words of Solon, an Athenian statesman and Greek lawmaker who lived about 600 B.C.E. Thus, according to him, the life span was 70 years. However, according to data from burial inscriptions, about 400 B.C.E. the life expectancy in Greece was approximately 29 years.

In ancient times, apparently the life expectancy in various countries of Europe did not vary substantially from that in ancient Greece. Because of the high death rate at an early age, the average life expectancy fell far short of the life span. The box on the next page gives the average age at death in some European countries, providing a comparison of that of ancient times with the life expectancy about the year 1900 and at the present time.

Regarding the increase in life expectancy, James F. Fries and Lawrence M. Crapo wrote in their work Vitality and Aging, 1981, pages 74-6:

“The average length of life in the United States has increased from approximately 47 years at the turn of the century to over 73 years today, an increase of more than 25 years. . . . A critical look at these data, however, shows that the increase in life expectancy results from the elimination of premature death rather than by extension of the natural life span. When life expectancy is calculated from particular ages, the higher the age, the less is the increase. From age 40, life expectancy has increased relatively little. From age 75, the increase is barely perceptible. Beyond the age of 85, an increase cannot be confidently determined at all. . . . The best projections we can develop indicate that the median natural human life span is set at a maximum of 85 years.”

But what about the possibility of extending the life span significantly by diet, vitamins, drugs, and so forth? On page 18 of their work, Fries and Crapo explain:

“For hundreds of years, alchemists attempted to prepare rejuvenating elixirs, without success. Literally hundreds of substances, including herbs, drugs, vitamins, extracts of animal cells, fermented milk, and various serums and potions have been reported to have rejuvenating properties, without convincing evidence. In our own country, the traditional snake oil potions have fallen into disrepute, but we do still have our vitamins. Recently, the drug gerovital has been promoted by Aslan in Rumania as an agent to prevent aging. Gerovital, whose main ingredient is the local anesthetic Novocaine, has been used in treatment of Khrushchev [1894-1971], Sukarno [1901-1970], Ho Chi Minh [1890-1969], and other dignitaries. There exists, of course, no evidence that this agent has any such effects, and there are no a priori reasons to assume that it should. The persons cited as examples of prominent users by gerovital proponents all died, and at unremarkable ages.

“In 1974, Packer and Smith published a paper in a prestigious American scientific journal reporting experiments that seemed to show that vitamin E markedly prolonged the life span of normal human fibroblast cells cultured in a laboratory flask. Later, they retracted this claim, when neither they nor others were able to reproduce the experimental results. To date, no diets, lifestyles, vitamins, drugs, or tonics have been shown to extend the human life span. Of the 4 billion human beings who have lived and died, nearly every possible combination of diet, chemical exposure, and psychological life must have existed. The absence of super-centenarians argues strongly that there is no easy track to long life, or someone would have found it by now.”

Clearly, humans have not been capable of extending their life span, although particularly by reducing the number of deaths from childhood diseases, life expectancy has been extended somewhat. From the human standpoint, the hope of extending the life span is dim indeed. However, there is a sure hope that the human life span will be extended. By what means?

Does Resveratrol Act As An Anti-Aging Supplement To Enhance Longevity

Resveratrol is a chemical that is found naturally on the skin of red grapes, of the polyphenol family that includes such other members as the powerful antioxidants anthocyanadin and the flavanoids. They destroy free radicals that are responsible for many ill effects in the body, including cardiovascular disease and aging. Aging occurs through the destruction of body cells that free radicals initiate, and can theoretically be retarded by the destruction of the free radicals.

Free radicals are becoming more common invaders of our bodies due to their increasing concentration in the atmosphere through vehicle and aircraft emissions, and also of our seas and rivers through industrial effluents. Free radicals are also created by excessive radiation, such as the harmful UV content of sunlight that is no longer effectively filtered by an adequate ozone layer.

Resveratrol is known to be effective against cardiovascular diseases due to its anti oxidant properties, and also for other reasons, but it is also believed to be a possible anti-aging supplement, to beat off the effects of old age. There is the obvious reason of it being a very powerful anti-oxidant and so preventing cell damage through the effects of free radicals, but there is more to it than just that.

The French do not seem to possess a longevity beyond that which could be expected from their diet high in saturated fats and alcohol. The fact that most of that alcohol is in the form of wines, especially red wines, is significant, but their high cheese intake with its cholesterol and saturated fat content, and other highly saturated animal fats, would be expected to cause a much lower average life expectancy that that which is actually normal in the area.

Although resveratrol is commonly found on red grape skins, and is a constituent of red wine, the quantities are small and it is the Japanese Knotweed that is the major natural source. Resveratrol is currently manufactured from knotweed, which is the main source of the supplement in health food stores. In fact you can purchase online what is described as ‘>99% pure knotweed Resveratrol that is not contaminated with plant residues.’ A lot depends on your viewpoint I suppose!

Perhaps the biggest contribution to be made to longevity by resveratrol is that it can activate the SIRT1 gene. This is the gene that activates the protein and enzyme sirtuin. Sirtuin is thought to be what is loosely terms a ‘protector of cells’ and helps cells to repair themselves when they are close to destruction. When the cell is not sure whether to carry on with the struggle or just give up and die, sirtuin persuades it to fight on and to repair itself. Without the sirtuin, the cell would have died, and as cells die, one ages.

However, the amount of resveratrol found in red wine is insufficient to activate the SIRT1 gene that has to be active before the sirtuin is activated, and supplementation is generally needed. The SIRT1 gene is also activated by a calorie reduced diet, and this can also help to protect cells from dying under stress. Such diets are useful in some situations, but will not necessarily prolong life for those that adopt it.

The SIRT1 enzyme is also thought by some to increase the activity of the mitochondria, the power packs inside cells that provide them with energy by processing fats. Mice fed with resveratrol appeared full of energy that was consistent with a surge in the number and efficiency of the mitochondria within their body cells. This is supported by an increase in muscle tissue. If this is true, and studies on this are continuing, then resveratrol fed to humans could also increase their energy as they age, since the aging process coincides with a reduction in the number and efficiency of the mitochondria within the cells.

This could also tie up in a way with the calorie controlled diet, since an increase in the metabolism that comes with increased mitochondria activity results in a higher calorie uptake, and so a reduction in the free calories available in the body. However, one of the mysteries of the human body is that what makes logical sense does not necessarily work in fact, and so the jury will remain out until the results of the large number of studies underway have been published.

For example, more evidence is required to prove the mitochondria activity theory unequivocally although all of the evidence so far tends to support it. At the moment resveratrol has restricted known uses, though the evidence is being collected and accumulated to provide support for the theories that exist on its ability to help us live longer and with more energy.

As more studies are carried out over the next few years, it seems highly likely that many more beneficial effects will be discovered, and those we are aware of confirmed by scientific proof. Resveratrol has many medicinal properties in addition to its beneficial effect on aging, such as its antioxidant properties, and ability to destroy free radicals, its anti-inflammatory properties where it is of benefit in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and also its effect as an antiseptic agent.

It is already known to increase the longevity of fruit flies, yeasts and worms and results on mice are just as encouraging. The theory behind its effect on human longevity is valid science, and it is known that if cells have a longer time to repair broken DNA, then they are able to do so. The enzyme sirtuin does this, and that is activated by the SIRT1 gene that is turn is activated by resveratrol. So the theory works, and so far laboratory tests are supporting this theory.

Whether or not resveratrol helps us to live longer or look younger as we age is not yet known, but studies are under way. Since the material is natural and not a prescription drug, there is nothing to prevent you from using it, but you are advised to consult your doctor before trying out medication that you have not taken before.

Resveratrol Is An Anti-Aging Pholyphenol That May Increase Longevity

Resveratrol is a chemical that is found naturally on the skin of red grapes, of the polyphenol family that includes such other members as the powerful antioxidants anthocyanadin and the flavanoids. They destroy free radicals that are responsible for many ill effects in the body, including cardiovascular disease and aging. Aging occurs through the destruction of body cells that free radicals initiate, and can theoretically be retarded by the destruction of the free radicals.

Free radicals are becoming more common invaders of our bodies due to their increasing concentration in the atmosphere through vehicle and aircraft emissions, and also of our seas and rivers through industrial effluents. Free radicals are also created by excessive radiation, such as the harmful UV content of sunlight that is no longer effectively filtered by an adequate ozone layer.

Resveratrol extract is known to be effective against cardiovascular diseases due to its anti oxidant properties, and also for other reasons, but it is also believed to be a possible anti-aging supplement, to beat off the effects of old age. There is the obvious reason of it being a very powerful anti-oxidant and so preventing cell damage through the effects of free radicals, but there is more to it than just that.

The French do not seem to possess a longevity beyond that which could be expected from their diet high in saturated fats and alcohol. The fact that most of that alcohol is in the form of wines, especially red wines, is significant, but their high cheese intake with its cholesterol and saturated fat content, and other highly saturated animal fats, would be expected to cause a much lower average life expectancy that that which is actually normal in the area.

Although resveratrol extract is commonly found on red grape skins, and is a constituent of red wine, the quantities are small and it is the Japanese Knotweed that is the major natural source. Resveratrol extract is currently manufactured from knotweed, which is the main source of the supplement in health food stores. In fact you can purchase online what is described as ‘Greater than 99% pure knotweed Resveratrol extract that is not contaminated with plant residues.’ A lot depends on your viewpoint I suppose!

Perhaps the biggest contribution to be made to longevity by resveratrol is that it can activate the SIRT1 gene. This is the gene that activates the protein and enzyme sirtuin. Sirtuin is thought to be what is loosely terms a ‘protector of cells’ and helps cells to repair themselves when they are close to destruction. When the cell is not sure whether to carry on with the struggle or just give up and die, sirtuin persuades it to fight on and to repair itself. Without the sirtuin, the cell would have died, and as cells die, one ages.

However, the amount of resveratrol found in red wine is insufficient to activate the SIRT1 gene that has to be active before the sirtuin is activated, and supplementation is generally needed. The SIRT1 gene is also activated by a calorie reduced diet, and this can also help to protect cells from dying under stress. Such diets are useful in some situations, but will not necessarily prolong life for those that adopt it.

The SIRT1 enzyme is also thought by some to increase the activity of the mitochondria, the power packs inside cells that provide them with energy by processing fats. Mice fed with resveratrol extract appeared full of energy that was consistent with a surge in the number and efficiency of the mitochondria within their body cells. This is supported by an increase in muscle tissue. If this is true, and studies on this are continuing, then resveratrol extract fed to humans could also increase their energy as they age, since the aging process coincides with a reduction in the number and efficiency of the mitochondria within the cells.

This could also tie up in a way with the calorie controlled diet, since an increase in the metabolism that comes with increased mitochondria activity results in a higher calorie uptake, and so a reduction in the free calories available in the body. However, one of the mysteries of the human body is that what makes logical sense does not necessarily work in fact, and so the jury will remain out until the results of the large number of studies underway have been published.

For example, more evidence is required to prove the mitochondria activity theory unequivocally although all of the evidence so far tends to support it. At the moment resveratrol has restricted known uses, though the evidence is being collected and accumulated to provide support for the theories that exist on its ability to help us live longer and with more energy.

As more studies are carried out over the next few years, it seems highly likely that many more beneficial effects will be discovered, and those we are aware of confirmed by scientific proof. Resveratrol extract has many medicinal properties in addition to its beneficial effect on aging, such as its antioxidant properties, and ability to destroy free radicals, its anti-inflammatory properties where it is of benefit in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and also its effect as an antiseptic agent.

It is already known to increase the longevity of fruit flies, yeasts and worms and results on mice are just as encouraging. The theory behind its effect on human longevity is valid science, and it is known that if cells have a longer time to repair broken DNA, then they are able to do so. The enzyme sirtuin does this, and that is activated by the SIRT1 gene that is turn is activated by resveratrol. So the theory works, and so far laboratory tests are supporting this theory.

Whether or not resveratrol helps us to live longer or look younger as we age is not yet known, but studies are under way. Since the material is natural and not a prescription drug, there is nothing to prevent you from using it, but you are advised to consult your doctor before trying out medication that you have not taken before.