The longevity of Amish life may be due to a genetic mutation. We also talk about their diet. And some evoke “free radicals”
There are many hypotheses for understanding the mechanism of aging.
One of the most commented on is what we will call “the theory of rust” which involves products called free radicals. They are formed from oxygen, our body’s main fuel. As the body multiplies and makes its cells work, it consumes oxygen, generating free radicals as byproducts, “wastes”, which in turn damage cells? These, in reaction… increase their production of free radicals…
Aging is said to be caused by a vicious cycle.
We could popularize this action on oxygen by comparing it to a generalized process of “rusting” of the whole of our body. An attractive theory… especially for manufacturers who are developing a whole range of rust inhibitors: Antioxidants anti free radicals.
A good number of researchers disagree. And not the least. A study by Mac Gill University, a world benchmark in biology, has cast doubt. Certainly this is a comparison on earthworms, but those which were “manufactured” to produce free radicals lived longer than “ordinary” worms. Worse ! the administration of antioxidants, supposed to counteract the negative action of free radicals, reduced their longevity instead of increasing it. The researchers went further by treating these common worms with a product that increases the production of free radicals. Even unexpected results, these “abused” worms lived 60% longer than the others …
Know from the Amish
These verses would therefore prove that the theory of free radicals is clear and logical, but probably false! And we will have to decide quickly to reassure or worry the many consumers of natural antioxidants such as tea or polyphenols in French red wines or in capsules.
The Amish, who consume a lot of natural products, some of which are rich in free radicals, will bear living testimony to the dispute.
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