The Blue Zones where people live longer may be a myth. The Blue Zone Diet is based on speculation, not solid science. The so-called Blue Zones are geographical locations where people are said to live longer than elsewhere. These include Sardinia, Okinawa, Loma Linda (California), the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa… read more "Blue Zones Diet: Speculation Based on Misinformation"
The Fountain of Youth and Other Anti-Aging Myths
In St. Augustine, Florida, you can visit Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park for an admission charge of $18.00. There, you can drink a sample of the miraculous water. You might even feel a bit younger… but only if you believe and are suggestible. Of historical interest, maybe,… read more "The Fountain of Youth and Other Anti-Aging Myths"
Aging: Is It a Preventable Disease?
David Sinclair says aging is a disease that can be prevented and treated, and there is no reason life must end. The evidence he presents from scientific studies is intriguing, but far from definitive. Wouldn’t it be nice if the right side of this image became obsolete? Can aging and… read more "Aging: Is It a Preventable Disease?"
Anti-Aging Claims: The Fountain of Youth is Still Only a Legend
The Spanish explorer Ponce de León wasn’t really looking for the Fountain of Youth when he trekked through Florida. That’s only a legend that wasn’t attached to his name until after his death. The idea of anti-aging remedies dates back to at least 3500 BCE, and the hope is alive… read more "Anti-Aging Claims: The Fountain of Youth is Still Only a Legend"
Aging and Longevity: Science for Spring Chickens
We’re all going to die, but we don’t like to think about it. I’ll reach the proverbial threescore years and ten next month, so I’ve been thinking more about it, wishing I knew some reliable way to ensure that I would live many more years and remain fully functional until… read more "Aging and Longevity: Science for Spring Chickens"
The Health Benefits of Moderate Drinking
A Book of Verses underneath the Bough,A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread–and ThouBeside me singing in the Wilderness–Oh, Wilderness were Paradise enow!” – The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Alcoholic beverages have always inspired strong opinions pro and con. Omar Khayyam included wine in his vision of Paradise; Carrie… read more "The Health Benefits of Moderate Drinking"
Product B: Here We Go Again
“Telomeres shorten each time a cell divides. In most cells, the telomeres eventually reach a critical length when the cells stop proliferating and become senescent. But, in certain cells, like sperm and egg cells, the enzyme telomerase restores telomeres to the ends of chromosomes. This telomere lengthening insures that the… read more "Product B: Here We Go Again"
Setting the Record Straight about Science and Longevity
Severe calorie restriction has been shown to effectively prolong life in almost every species that has been studied so far. Science hasn’t yet shown whether it will work for humans, but preliminary evidence suggests that it might. Human calorie restrictors have lower weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Despite those… read more "Setting the Record Straight about Science and Longevity"
Resveratrol: Of Mice and Men
We would all like to live longer. The most promising longevity research indicates that severe calorie restriction might extend life span, but such a diet is difficult to follow. Resveratrol, a phytochemical found in red wine, has been evaluated as a possible way out of the dilemma. When given to… read more "Resveratrol: Of Mice and Men"
Protandim: Another Kind of Antioxidant
Four years ago I received an e-mail inquiry about Protandim. I had never heard of it; but I looked it up and wrote a quick, informal, somewhat snarky answer that got posted on the Internet. It got a lot of attention. Googling for Protandim now brings up my critique right… read more "Protandim: Another Kind of Antioxidant"