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Two for Extending Life
The most important factor thus far discovered about extending healthful
life is that of reducing calories. The problem is that the reduction is
so drastic as to make life more distressing as the reduction is as much
as 30%.
So
we ask the questions--what is the effect upon the body during caloric
restriction (CR) that extends life? The second question is-what foods if
any, could cause the same beneficial effect--without drastically
reducing calories? We should add that, at least in animals, some
nutrients have already been shown to extend healthful life, if not the
"big bang" of CR. We have already reported on carnosine and have more to
add in the near future.
We
asked around of our scientist-friends and contacts as well as perusing
the medical and scientific literature about CR and what it does. Many
responded that reducing oxygen radicals certainly plays a part.
And now there's Dr. Diane F. Birt, Chairperson of the Dept.
of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State U.,
Ames.
She has published numerous papers in respected, peer-reviewed journals.
One such report (in the Journal of Nutrition) was entitled Protein
Kinase C Activity Is Reduced in Epidermal 'skin] cells from
Energy-Restricted Sencar Mice.
Protein Kinase C (PKC) is the prime signaling enzyme in our cells. It
starts the process that results in summoning the immune system to
attack our enemies (bacteria, viruses, molds, tumor cells.) The latter
are, one could say, the enemy within us—transformed previously normal
cells.
However, excessive PKC activity can result in inflammation, which
plays an important role in heart disease and auto-immune diseases as
Lupus, Arthritis, MS, etc.
The important point to realize is that PKC activity is an engine for
destructive oxygen radicals. Many scientists believe that oxygen
radicals, over time, cause DNA mutations that result in cancer. Since
reducing PKC, if not the vital factor in extending healthful
life, is certainly an important one.
IS
THIS THE ANSWER?
So
now we go to the second question--how do we safely reduce PKC? If we
could do that, even if it turns out that this is not the absolute path
to extending healthful life, we would be doing something to reduce
the risk of most diseases.
Okay, wise guy--so how do we reduce PKC activity? That is not as
difficult as it sounds. Green tea does reduce PKC activity. So does
quercetin, a component in virtually all plant life*.
Would a cup of green tea bring on miracles? No, a cup a day will not do
a thing, much less perform miracles. Judging by the studies of Dr.
Fujiki in Cancer Research journal and others, effectiveness in reducing
disease came with multiple cups. We would estimate that at least five
cups a day containing a tablespoon of loose tea per cup would be
required for positive effects, if any. Forget the one tea bag. Use two
at least per cup.
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