Sugar and fat speeds ageing

The secrets of ageing lie deep in molecular biology. Ageing occurs when cells are continuously bombarded by chemical particles call free-radicals. These free radicals are produced in the body by normal bodily functions like respiration, elimination, digestion etc. Free radicals are also produced by pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol intake, eating rancid fats, sugar laden foods, smoke from car exhausts etc. These free radicals damage our cells, and this accumulated cellular damage over the years, precipitates a disease, which further degenerates the body. This is the genesis of ageing and all its consequences.

HOW DOES SUGAR AFFECT AGE

It is the common knowledge that very few centenarians are diabetics. Sugar is a sticky substance. When you have extra sugar floating in your bloodstream, the sticky sugar molecules attach themselves to proteins. The sugar attached proteins further cross-link, forming a new chemical structure, which starts the degeneration process within the body. It can lead to cataracts, stiffening of joints, sagging skin due to loss of collagen, etc. When the proper functioning of a cell is disrupted, the process leads to cancer. When glucose attaches to the protein molecules, the resulting end products keep circulating in the blood and have an adverse effect on the blood fats. Therefore, diabetics have a high risk of precipitating heart disease. Excess sugar in the blood is very damaging. Your major body organs like the heart, kidney, blood vessels, eyes, skin and nerves are particularly vulnerable.

HOW EXCESS FAT MAKES YOU AGE

Fat’s major role apart from making us obese is in making our insides age faster. It stimulates production of millions of free radicals, making cells cancerous and dysfunctional. The body cannot cope up with so many free radicals and the cellular destruction that follows, precipitates as age. These lipid hydroperoxide molecules are the ugliest free radicals. Once inside the body, they go on rampages of cell destruction. They ignite one cell after the other in a chain reaction turning your body cells into malfunctioning junk. They attack the fatty membranes all over your body. Imagine your brain cells being attacked by free radicals on a daily basis due to consumption of rancid fats. Consuming a plate full of potato chips, jalebis, puris, bhajias, fried sev, papdis, pastries, etc in excess can cause free radical damage to your body.

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