The cell's natural processes produce wastes that need to be removed in order to maintain normal cell function. Autophagy, or the process of waste removal, can become less efficient as the person grows older. The accumulation of wastes in the cells may result to an altered cell function and cause deterioration. This health condition can lead to chronic illness like some forms of cancers and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease. New studies are investigating the effects of certain compounds including leafy greens, berries and curcumin, resveratrol in improving the proper functioning of cells.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a compound naturally produced by certain plants and which is widely sold as a food supplement and as an ingredient in some beauty products. Studies had found numerous health benefits of resveratrol including the reduction of risk of certain cancers. The compound has also been found to have life-prolonging, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, neuroprotective and antiviral properties. It is found in the surface of red grapes and is present in high amounts in wine. An evidence in action is the low incidence of coronary diseases in people living in France despite their high intake of saturated fats. In plants, resveratrol is produced to protect them against fungi. Some of the richest sources of resveratrol are berries, peanuts and pines. The level of resveratrol in plants varies depending on the specie and source. Certain red wines, for example, have higher resveratrol content than others; wines that are fermented with the skin retain more of the life-perpetuating compound. A study conducted by a team of researchers from Harvard University found that resveratrol extends the lifespan of mice, fish and worms.

A study published in the Impact Journal on Aging shows how resveratrol can improve the natural function of cells in removing waste materials. The compound can directly influence the behavior of genes and control metabolic mechanisms and promote a longer life. In addition to this, resveratrol follows the effect of calorie restriction; thus, it poses as an important compound that helps improve proper cell function and remove cellular debris. Resveratrol promotes autophagy in dormant cells. They were found to activate a set of proteins that function to stimulate waste removal and protect certain essential parts of the cell. The intake of resveratrol can lead to a chain of events that will lead to more efficient cell function and inhibit aging.

Curcumin

Curcumin is extracted from the dried roots of the turmeric plant and is widely used as food coloring in sweets, softdrinks, curry power, cakes, processed cheese, margarine and mustard. It is also a staple spice in Indian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Studies evaluating the nutritional value of curcumin had found that the substance has antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This is the reason why curcumin is now being used by drug manufacturers as a food supplement.

Traditionally, curcumin is used by certain cultures as a pain reliever and to treat the inflammation of the skin. It has also been used as a treatment to flatulence, colic, hemorrhage, hematuria, menstrual problems and jaundice. And recent studies had found that curcumin is a potential agent against gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular and liver diseases. Population studies show that people in India had lower cancer rates than in other populations with less curcumin consumption. But the same studies also showed that Indian people migrating to western countries tend to be more at risk of developing cancer due to cultural adaptation and the dietary influence of the dominant population.

More and more studies are being conducted to investigate the health benefits of curcumin to the human body. In problems with high cholesterol level, for example, a study published in the International Journal of Vitamin Nutritional Research found that curcumin can lower bad cholesterol levels while increasing the level of good cholesterol in the blood. A study gathered a group of ten study participants and asked them to take 500 milligrams of curcumin for a period of seven days; the study was conducted at the Amala Cancer Research Center in India. After a short period of one week, the researchers observed that the study participants’ good cholesterol level increased by 29 percent. Their bad cholesterol level, on the other hand, was significantly reduced by 11.6 percent. They also noted a 33 percent reduction in their lipid peroxidation rate.

In the study on curcumin and cell waste removal and aging, researchers found that curcumin can stimulate and initiate natural death in cells that are functioning abnormally though a process called apoptosis. This discovery is highly important in research against cancer since scientists are constantly on the look-out in finding effective means of encouraging cancer cells to die naturally without the use of artificial drugs like that which is used in traditional chemotherapy. Curcumin achieves this effect by influencing the cell's DNA to remove waste materials. It has also been found that curcumin can specifically target potentially cancerous cells to self-destruct. The study was published in the British Journal of Cancer and authors said that curcumin is a potential candidate in finding the best cancer treatment.

Green Leafy Vegetables and Berries

Strawberries, spinach and blueberries and natural food ingredients are only some of the foods that had been found by several studies to have strong protective properties against environment-induced and age related brain damage. A study analysis published in The Journal of Neuroscience revealed that these foods can promote autophagy in cells and help the cells remove waste materials that can cause damage and result to faster aging. They also contain polyphenols that are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Researchers discovered that the compounds found in spinach and berries are capable of bypassing the blood-brain barrier and directly influence the function of the neurons. The lead author of the study said that their findings show that diet intervention involving spinach and berries can be important in reversing the adverse effects of aging on proper brain function.

Keeping the cells free from waste materials is essential in reducing the risk of developing certain diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease and deterring the aging process. This can be achieved by maintaining a healthy diet and eating foods containing resveratrol, curcumin and other antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Sources
naturalnews.com
nature.com
3dchem.com
curcumin.net