Exercise and Telomeres

I found a very interesting article on the benefits of intensive exercise throughout one’s life. Exercise prevents the shortening of telomeres. Telomeres are the DNA that bookend the chromosomes and protect the ends from damage. In the study done by the University of Saarland, samples of telomeres were taken from 4 groups. The first 2 groups were pro athletes while the other 2 groups were healthy non-smokers who did not exercise regularly. It was found that exercise stimulates enzymes such as telomerase that prolong the lives of cells. The telomere shortening mechanism limits cells to a certain amount of divisions which is associated with aging; when telomeres become very short, the cell dies. This study proves that exercise stimulates the chemical and biological processes in one’s body. Providing increased cardiovascular health and prolonged life expectancy.

Posted by Nikki Wise