Protein found to aid anti-aging

As we hope and pray the fountain of youth is discovered, scientists are hard at work figuring out how to slow down aging. New findings have pinpointed a protein in the body that shows signs to aid in anti-aging.

Protein that aids in anti-aging

Bioengineers at the University of California have uncovered a significant protein that plays a role in anti-aging. Examining the health of the heart narrowed down anti-aging to a protein called vinculin.

As seen in rats, monkey and humans, vinculin accumulates in higher amounts through aging. In this new study, the bioengineers genetically programmed fruit flies to produce higher amounts of vinculin. The flies lived longer. How much
longer? Well, typically a fruit fly will live up to four weeks. The modified flies managed extended their lifespan to 11 and 13 weeks.

The researchers found that an increase in vinculin not only boosted heart health, but helps anti-aging. Researchers feel that by better understanding vinculin, therapy can be created to treat age-related heart failure.

10 tips to improve heart health

Until the protein vinculin is further explored to help slow aging in the heart, there are means you can use now to improve your heart health. Here are 10 ways you can easily and effectively begin improving your heart health to live a longer life.

1. Walk – 10 minutes is all it takes to improve the heart
2. Lift weights – something as small as a hardcover book or a water jug is enough
3. Eat your fruits and vegetables
4. Eat breakfast
5. Avoid soda and other sugary beverages
6. Eat nuts – almonds and peanuts have been shown to improve heart health
7. Enjoy fish
8. Reduce stress – this can easily be done with breathing exercises
9. Practice proper hygiene – wash your hands to reduce the spread of germs
10. Don’t take life for granted – appreciating what you have can lead to positive emotions that benefit the heart.

Not only are these tips easy, but they can be done immediately. Unlike other organs in your body, your heart doesn’t create new cells for itself, so what you have is what you got in the long haul. Taking necessary steps to stay healthy and boost heart health can improve overall health as well as slow down aging. Until the fountain of youth gets discovered, or vinculin can be used to slow down aging, these small steps daily can help your heart stay forever young.

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Sources:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-06/uoc–vpb061215.php
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/scientists_identify_protein_that_sustains_heart_function_into_old_age
http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/vinculin_protein_boosts_function_in_the_aging_heart
http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/10-small-steps-for-better-heart-health