Glycation, also known as the Maillard reaction, is the binding of sugars to proteins (1). It both occurs spontaneously in the body as well as when we cook certain foods.
This chemical reaction leads to the development of glycated proteins, which accumulate inside cells and cannot be eliminated.
In a matter of days, glycated proteins are converted into compounds called Amadori products (2). After a few weeks, these end up forming Maillard products, or AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products). Once underway, this last conversion is irreversible (3).
Maillard products are known to promote the development of various problems :
In short, the various stages of glycation together cause an acceleration in ageing (6-7). This process is stimulated by an overload of sugar in the body, and thus has an even more dramatic effect on diabetics (who have elevated levels of glycated haemoglobin) (8-9).
If you want to fight this ‘caramelisation’ of your body and slow down the effects of ageing, you need to start by looking at your diet...
Modern diets are often high in sugar and contain too much food cooked at high temperatures, both of which encourage protein glycation (10).
To prevent excessive glycation in your body:
To combat glycation, it’s also important to take regular exercise and to make sure you manage day to day stress effectively (12).
In recent years, a number of studies have highlighted certain substances with the potential to help inhibit the formation of AGEs (13-14).
They include:
Further scientific research is needed in order to clarify all the mechanisms involved.
The polyphenol content of fruits and vegetables is one of the main reasons these foods are so good for our health. But which contain the most? And can you guess which one takes the no. 1 spot?
Do you want to delay the negative effects of aging and stay fit and healthy for as long as possible, to get the most out of life and time spent with loved ones? Discover senolytics, the ultimate weapon for fighting the aging process.
A superfruit used for more than 2000 years in traditional Chinese medicine, the goji berry has become increasingly popular in the West because of its high content of vitamins and antioxidants. Discover its various benefits.
Calorie restriction consists of reducing your food intake, compensating for any potential deficiencies by taking supplements. Aside from its slimming effects, calorie restriction is now being studied primarily for its ability to prolong life expectancy.
A senescent cell is one whose life cycle has come to a permanent end. In the normal scheme of things, such cells are eliminated from the body by the immune system. But in some cases, this fails to happen and they accumulate in tissues, with potentially serious consequences for health.
Oxidative stress is what happens when our cells are attacked by free radicals. In excess, these unstable molecules overwhelm our defenses, damaging the body. Here we take a look at their sources and consequences, and the ways in which we can help keep them under control.