Mitochondrial and Aging.

Mitochondrial anti-aging benefits are something that very few people have ever heard about. The mitochondria are the small, double membrane organelle that is responsible for providing energy to the cells of the body. The mitochondria transform the nutrients we consume into energy usable by the cells of the body. Their number varies from cell to cell depending on the function of that cell and the total energy needs of the cell.

How Do Mitochondria Produce Energy?

Many people have heard of the term “aerobic”. Most often associated with exercise, aerobic refers to the oxygen needs of the body. Mitochondria utilize aerobic respiration to produce ATP (energy molecules) from the nutrients we consume on a daily basis. This energy generation is vital to the health of the cell and the health of the body. Thus, the more efficient the aerobic respiration, the better are the mitochondrial anti aging benefits.

In order to better understand the mitochondrial anti aging benefits, let us look at an example of what mitochondria can do for cell energy production. Taking one molecule of glucose into consideration; when that molecule is broken down via glycolysis, 2 ATP (energy) molecules are produced. That same molecule of glucose when broken down using the mitochondria produces 36 ATP. That is an increase in energy for the cell of 1700%. The more energy the cells of the body have on hand, the better they are able to serve the bodies functions. Here in lies the beauty of mitochondrial anti aging benefits.

The Mitochondrial Theory of Aging

The role of mitochondria is the aging process is one that carries a dual blade. On one side of the blade are the clear evidences of increased signs of aging when mitochondria are defunct in the body, not performing as designed or not present in appropriate quantities from within the cell. One the other side of the blade is the “vicious cycle”.

The “Vicious cycle” refers to the creation of ROS. ROS, or reactive oxygen species, can be a factor in the overall aging process. When studying the mitochondrial anti aging benefits, one is sure to come across the theories on ROS and their effect on the cells of the body.

When energy is produced by the mitochondria through aerobic respiration, there are electrons that may leak out into the cell. These leaked electrons can cause damage to the cell. The damage, when accumulated over an extended period of time, can lead to increased signs of aging. To add to the effect of ROS, mtDNA (mitochondria DNA) present in cells is easily damaged by ROS. When the mtDNA are damaged they in turn affect the proteins of the cells leading to a larger leakage of electrons and thus more ROS.

Overall, mitochondrial anti aging benefits are on the forefront of many scientific minds and debates. There is little doubt that the mitochondria directly affect the performance of the cell and possible the aging of the body. With more study, scientists hope to pinpoint the mitochondrial anti aging benefits.