THE ESSENTIALS
1. Resveratrol
Description: Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found mainly in the skin of red grapes, red wine, and some nuts.
Action: Activates sirtuins, a group of enzymes involved in DNA repair, metabolic regulation, and longevity. It also inhibits oxidative stress, reducing cellular damage.
Benefits:
- It improves mitochondrial function.
- It reduces systemic inflammation.
- It protects against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Relevance: It is one of the most studied compounds for its ability to mimic the effects of fasting on the body.
2. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)
Description: NMN is a direct precursor of NAD+, a key molecule for cellular energy.
Action: Increases NAD+ levels, essential for mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and cell communication.
Benefits:
- Improves energy levels.
- It increases insulin sensitivity.
- It improves cardiovascular health and combats age-related decline.
Relevance: Decreased NAD+ is one of the main markers of aging, and NMN directly addresses this issue.
3. Quercetin
Description: This flavonoid is present in fruits, vegetables, and tea.
Action: It acts as a senolytic, eliminating senescent cells that contribute to aging. It is also a powerful antioxidant.
Benefits:
- It reduces chronic inflammation.
- It improves cardiovascular health.
- It protects against neurodegenerative diseases.
Relevance: Its ability to eliminate harmful cells makes it crucial in anti-aging strategies.
4. Spermidine
Description: A natural compound found in foods such as wheat germ and mushrooms.
Action: Promotes autophagy, the cellular recycling process that eliminates damaged proteins and dysfunctional organelles.
Benefits:
- Improves cellular health.
- It protects against chronic diseases.
- It supports longevity.
Relevance: Autophagy is fundamental to maintaining cellular youth, and spermidine is one of the most effective activators of this process.
5. Astaxanthin
Description: This carotenoid is found in algae, salmon, and shrimp.
Action: It is one of the most powerful antioxidants, protecting cell membranes and mitochondria from oxidative damage.
Benefits:
- Improves skin health.
- It reduces inflammation.
- It protects the eyes and the cardiovascular system.
Relevance: Its antioxidant capacity is up to 6,000 times greater than that of vitamin C, making it a powerful tool against aging.
6. Carnosine
Description: A dipeptide formed by beta-alanine and histidine, present in high concentrations in muscle and brain.
Action: Acts as an anti-glycation agent, preventing the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which damage proteins and tissues.
Benefits:
- It protects cellular proteins.
- Improves muscle health.
- It supports cognitive function.
Relevance: AGEs are responsible for many visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and arterial stiffness, which is why carnosine is essential.
7. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Description: An antioxidant produced naturally in the body, but which decreases with age.
Action: Improves cellular energy production in the mitochondria and neutralizes free radicals.
Benefits:
- Increases energy.
- Protect your heart.
- It improves cellular function.
Relevance: It is essential for maintaining optimal cellular function, especially in organs with high energy demands such as the heart.
8. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Description: A universal antioxidant that works in aqueous and lipid environments.
Action: Recycles other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and improves mitochondrial function.
Benefits:
- It improves insulin sensitivity.
- It reduces oxidative damage.
- It protects against neuronal deterioration.
Relevance: It is one of the few antioxidants that can cross the blood-brain barrier, protecting the brain.
9. Berberine
Description: A plant alkaloid extracted from plants such as Berberis.
Action: Activates AMPK, the "longevity protein", and improves metabolic health.
Benefits:
- It reduces insulin resistance.
- It regulates blood sugar levels.
- It combats inflammation.
Relevance: Its metabolic action makes it a powerful tool against chronic diseases related to aging.
10. Hydroxytyrosol
Description: Derived from olive oil, it is one of the most powerful antioxidants known.
Action: Neutralizes free radicals and protects mitochondria.
Benefits:
- It improves cardiovascular health.
- It reduces inflammation.
- It protects cells from oxidative damage.
Relevance: Its high bioavailability allows for effective cell protection even at low doses.
11. Fucoidan
Description: A polysaccharide extracted from seaweed such as wakame.
Action: Stimulates autophagy and strengthens the immune system.
Benefits:
- It improves cell regeneration.
- It protects against chronic diseases.
- It supports longevity.
Relevance: Its ability to activate autophagy makes it an ideal candidate for anti-aging strategies.
12. Ergothioneine
Description: An antioxidant present in mushrooms and some animal tissues.
Action: Protects mitochondria and reduces oxidative damage in vulnerable cells.
Benefits:
- It improves cellular function.
- It protects DNA.
- It supports cognitive health.
Relevance: It has been called "the longevity vitamin" due to its role in cell protection.
13. C15:0 (Pentadecanoic Acid)
Action: This essential fatty acid regulates cellular homeostasis and protects against cellular aging. Like Omega-3s, it stabilizes cell membranes, reduces oxidative damage, and modulates chronic inflammatory processes.
Benefits:
- It improves metabolic function, reducing LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- It promotes immune health and reduces markers of inflammation.
- It protects against age-related chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Relevance: Recent studies have shown that C15:0 is essential for maintaining cellular integrity, and its deficiency is linked to age-related decline.
THE SECONDARY CHARACTERS
1. GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide)
Action: This peptide stimulates collagen production, DNA repair, and cell regeneration.
Benefits:
- It improves the appearance of the skin, reducing wrinkles and scars.
- It protects against oxidative stress and accelerates wound healing.
- It strengthens hair and improves the health of connective tissue.
Relevance: GHK-Cu is an advanced and promising option in anti-aging care and cell regeneration.
2. NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
Action: NAC is a direct precursor to glutathione, known as the "master antioxidant." This compound combats oxidative stress and supports cellular detoxification by neutralizing free radicals.
Benefits:
- It improves liver health by protecting against harmful toxins and metabolites.
- It strengthens the immune system by increasing glutathione levels in immune cells.
- It protects against neurodegenerative diseases by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the brain.
Relevance: NAC is widely studied for its role in longevity and its ability to prevent age-related cell damage.
3. Zinc Carnosine
Action: This synergistic combination of zinc and carnosine acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the gastrointestinal tract and cell membranes from oxidative stress.
Benefits:
- It strengthens the intestinal lining, reducing intestinal permeability and improving nutrient absorption.
- It reduces systemic inflammation, a key factor in chronic aging.
- It improves immune function and protects against infections.
Relevance: Zinc carnosine is essential for maintaining optimal intestinal health, a crucial factor in the prevention of age-related diseases.
4. Ellagic Acid
Action: A natural polyphenol found in fruits such as pomegranates and raspberries, ellagic acid is an antioxidant that protects DNA and mitochondria from oxidative damage.
Benefits:
- It improves skin health by reducing damage caused by exposure to UV rays and pollutants.
- It reduces chronic inflammation, protecting tissues and organs.
- It enhances DNA repair mechanisms and cell regeneration.
Relevance: Ellagic acid is increasingly valued for its ability to combat the visible signs of aging.
5. Methylene Blue
Action: This compound acts as a mitochondrial regenerator, improving ATP production and reducing oxidative stress.
Benefits:
- It improves cognitive function and protects against age-related brain decline.
- It increases cellular energy levels and improves physical endurance.
- It protects against the accumulation of misfolded proteins, such as those associated with Alzheimer's.
Relevance: Methylene blue's unique ability to regenerate mitochondria makes it an essential compound in longevity strategies.
6. Acetyl L-Carnitine
Action: Acetyl L-carnitine transports fatty acids to the mitochondria for conversion into energy, improving metabolic efficiency.
Benefits:
- It increases muscle health and reduces age-related fatigue.
- It protects the heart by improving mitochondrial function in heart cells.
- It combats the accumulation of body fat by improving lipid oxidation.
Relevance: Acetyl L-carnitine is crucial for maintaining metabolic health and energy during aging.
7. Rhodiola Rosea
Action: As an adaptogen, Rhodiola reduces the impact of physical and mental stress, decreasing cellular damage associated with aging.
Benefits:
- It improves memory, attention, and mental stamina.
- It reduces oxidative damage and improves mitochondrial function.
- It increases physical endurance and accelerates recovery.
Relevance: This adaptogen is especially useful for people seeking longevity while facing high levels of stress.
8. Lactoferrin
Description:
Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein naturally present in milk, especially colostrum, and is also found in bodily fluids such as tears and saliva. It is known for its potent antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity.
Action:
- It acts as an iron chelating agent, limiting the availability of iron to bacteria and other pathogens, thus inhibiting their proliferation.
- It modulates the immune system by promoting a balanced immune response.
- It promotes tissue regeneration and reduces chronic inflammation.
Benefits:
- Immune support: Improves the immune system's ability to fight bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
- Antimicrobial properties: Inhibits the growth of pathogens by depriving them of iron and damaging their cell membranes.
- Intestinal health: Promotes the balance of the intestinal microbiota, favoring the growth of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Reduces systemic inflammation, which may be helpful in autoimmune diseases and disorders related to chronic inflammation.
- Antioxidant: Protects cells against oxidative damage by regulating iron metabolism.
- Disease prevention: Reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome.
Relevance:
Lactoferrin has gained recognition as a key compound in health and longevity strategies due to its ability to strengthen the immune system, improve gut health, and reduce chronic inflammation—factors closely linked to aging and degenerative diseases. Its versatility makes it useful in both the prevention and treatment of various conditions.
9. Hyaluronic Acid
Description: A naturally occurring compound found in connective tissue, skin, and synovial fluid.
Action: Retains large amounts of water, improving the hydration and elasticity of tissues.
Benefits:
- It improves skin health by reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
- It increases joint lubrication, relieving pain associated with arthritis.
- It accelerates wound healing and improves tissue regeneration.
Relevance: It is essential for maintaining skin hydration and elasticity, as well as joint health, making it a key component in anti-aging strategies.