Influence of the Mediterranean diet on ageing

# What does telomere length have to do with my age? Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres are shortened due to age. Once the telomeres are used up, they lose their function and the genes can be damaged. Various factors can influence this process both positively and negatively, as telomere length is linked to life expectancy. The Mediterranean diet is a diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, pulses, wholemeal/grain products, cold-pressed olive oil and moderate fish consumption. In numerous studies, this diet has been associated with a variety of health benefits, including a longer lifespan and reduced susceptibility to age-related diseases. It stands to reason that a Mediterranean diet has a similarly positive influence on telomere length. This finding is explained, among other things, by the consumption of fresh, vital substance-rich and, above all, anti-inflammatory foods from the Mediterranean diet. These contribute to an optimized metabolism, balanced blood sugar levels, normal insulin sensitivity and low oxidative stress. In addition to diet, other factors influencing telomere length are genetic variants, environmental influences, sport and lifestyle. > ## Good to know > > Regardless of your genetic predisposition, we recommend regular exercise, sufficient sleep, a varied diet with plenty of antioxidants and a healthy lifestyle to protect your telomeres. Antioxidants are mainly found in vegetables, fruit, seeds, sprouts, herbs and spices. # Telomeres and ageing Telomeres are important regulators of cell division and influence cell ageing. They protect the chromosome ends and ensure that the chromosomes can multiply safely with each cell division. Without telomeres, our cells would lose important DNA with each cell division. The length of telomeres therefore plays an important role in life expectancy and general health. Shorter telomeres are associated with disease and a shortened lifespan. # What does genetics have to do with it? We are investigating a gene to determine the influence of the Mediterranean diet on ageing: The PPARG gene (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma gene) carries the blueprint for a receptor in the cell nucleus. This in turn influences genes that are associated with fat and glucose metabolism. In summary, the gene regulates various metabolic processes, inflammatory processes, cell division and telomere length. Studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet can influence the activity of the PPARG gene and subsequently modulate these processes. - Variant rs1801282 of the PPARG gene: The genotypes C/G and G/G show less telomere shortening under a Mediterranean diet, better protection for the chromosomes and thus a positive contribution to a longer life expectancy.