The health science community is abuzz with a thing
called telelomeres (tea-low-mere-z) that are in every cell in your body and are an indication of the aging process. The discovery
of telomeres won the Nobel Prize in 2009 and now they can be tested. Do you want to know if you your cells tell an older or
younger story than your years? Do you want to protect them to slow the aging process and/or forestall any age related illness
as long as possible? Um, yes.
Telomeres are the tips of your chromosomes that hold together information. Think of them like the plastic
ends of shoelaces, when they get old and brittle and fray, you can't thread them into your shoes. The same goes for cells.
If they become frayed, they can't replicate themselves and keep new, healthy cells growing to keep you young and vital. Or
worse, replicate in a mutant way and become cancer cells.
There are foods and activities that factor into telomere protection, this is why people
like me are always harping you to eat more high nutrient foods. Not because we like to harp, more because we like you. Each of the following foods have been studied for their positive impact on health. It is unknown how or why they do what
they do but as science moves forward, I bet we will see the connection to telomere protection. The truth, though, is...who
cares? They are delicious and easily worked into your meals. Each one here has a corresponding recipe for your dining pleasure. Consume High nutrient, low calorie foods like:
Of course, you want to avoid processed sugar
and flour, limit alcohol and get as much sleep as possible but one of the more fascinating things under discovery is the impact
of stress on telomeres. The two things that have been shown to shorten telomeres are stress and early childhood trauma.
Now obviously, you can't avoid either but you can figure them out, and put to rest the rumination that can occur after such
events. Most of the problem is in your mind and doing whatever it takes to let that go will have a positive impact on your
health. It is now proven, no longer the hoo hoo of hippies. Chill and live better for it.
Photo Credit
Racheal McCraig Photography
Theresa Albert, Food Communications Specialist, Nutritionist Theresa's French Canadian influences are a part of her "no bologna" style as everything is on the table...not
just the dinner. She has the unique ability to distill complex health concepts into simple, savvy steps to improve any lifestyle
choice. Because she wants to have it all too, she gets to the point with humour and truth. Theresa is a sought after
media commentator and lifestyle pundit on many topics with a particular fascination with human relationships with food and
culture. Her words can be read in such esteemed publications as The Toronto Star, Metro News, Today's Parent, Canadian Living
and Canadian Family, Best Health and Shape Magazine. Her opinions voiced on CTV Newschannel, CBC and Global are always informative,
thoughtful and entertaining. She has two books published in Canada and the US: Cook Once a Week, Eat Well Every
Day and Ace Your Health, 52 Ways to Stack Your Deck. She can be found on twitter
as @theresaalbert and at www.myfriendinfood.com
