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Telomeres: The Secret to Anti-Aging and How to Lengthen Them
Do you want to know the secret to anti-aging? It’s not a magic pill or potion — it’s something much more straightforward. Telomeres are the answer. These little snippets of DNA play a considerable role in our longevity, and scientists are just starting to unlock all of their secrets.
This article will explain what telomeres are, how they shorten as we age, and the treatments being developed to lengthen them.
What are Telomeres?
Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of each strand of DNA. They prevent our chromosomes from fraying or sticking to each other, and they play a vital role in cell division. Every time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter. This is why they are often compared to the ticking of a biological clock — as they get shorter, our cells age, and we become more susceptible to age-related diseases.
The Benefits of Long Telomeres
Studies have shown that people with longer telomeres tend to live healthier lives. In fact, one study found that people with the longest telomeres were three times more likely to live to be over 100 years old! They are less likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other age-related conditions.
