A Major cause of aging is…
“Oxidative Stress.” It is the damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids (fatty substances) caused by oxidants, which are highly reactive substances containing oxygen. These oxidants are produced normally when we breathe, and also result from inflammation, infection, and consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. These toxic agents are called “free radicals”. While they have some very important, positive effect in humans like the fighting of bacteria, excessive free radicals damage normal tissue too which is another cause of aging. Diets high in anti-oxidants protect the organism from excessive damage. For example of food and supplements that contain protective anti-oxidants.
Another factor in aging is “glycation.”
It happens when glucose sugar from what we eat binds to some of our DNA, proteins, and lipids, leaving them unable to do their jobs. The problem becomes worse as we get older, causing body tissues to malfunction, resulting in disease and death. This may explain why studies in various laboratory animals indicate that restricting calorie intake extends lifespan. Many have suggested that humans should eat at least 20% less overall. So it appears that oxidative stress, glycation, telomere shortening, and chronological age – along with various genes – all work together to cause aging.