Telomeres, the specific DNA–protein structures found at both ends of each chromosome, protect genome from nucleolytic degradation, unnecessary recombination, repair, and interchromosomal fusion. Telomeres therefore play a vital role in preserving the information in our genome.

Telomeres are structures made from DNA sequences and proteins found at the ends of chromosomes. They cap and protect the end of a chromosome like the end of a shoelace. In almost all animals, from the simplest to the most complex, telomeres are required for cell division.

Telomeres play a central role in cell fate and aging by adjusting the cellular response to stress and growth stimulation on the basis of previous cell divisions and DNA damage. At least a few hundred nucleotides of telomere repeats must "cap" each chromosome end to avoid activation of DNA repair pathways.

Telomere length is positively associated with the consumption of legumes, nuts, seaweed, fruits, and 100% fruit juice, dairy products, and coffee, whereas it is inversely associated with consumption of alcohol, red meat, or processed meat [27,28,33,34].

Some tips for how you can help slow down telomere shortening include:

1. Maintain a healthy weight with healthy eating.
2. Exercise regularly.
3. Quit smoking.
4. Get enough sleep.
5. Reduce or manage stress.
6. Eat a telomere-protective diet full of foods high in vitamin C, polyphenols, and anthocyanins.

“Cells with very long telomeres accumulate mutations and appear to promote tumors and other types of growths that would otherwise be put in check by normal telomere shortening processes,” Armanios says.

Telomeres protect our genetic material Telomeres act as protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes and prevent damage and fusion with other chromosomes. A useful analogy for this can be the way an aglet of a shoelace prevents fraying, unravelling and tangling of laces.

Telomeres, telomerase, and health Telomeres consist of repeating sequences of DNA that get shorter each time a cell divides. The body's stem cells, which retain their youthful qualities, normally make an enzyme called telomerase that builds telomeres back up again.

When looking at isolated foods, unrefined grains, nuts and seeds, and coffee were all associated with longer telomeres. The researchers also found that a diet rich in carotenoids, a nutrient found in leafy greens and red-orange colored fruits and vegetables, was significantly associated with longer telomeres.

Coffee consumption is positively associated with longer leukocyte telomere length in the Nurses' Health Study.

Observational analyses indicated that coffee intake and instant coffee intake were negatively correlated with telomere length, which was equal to 0.12 year of age-related decrease in telomere length for each additional cup of coffee intake (p < 0.001), and 0.38 year of age-related decrease in telomere length for each ...

Tips for Lengthening Telomeres. Recent studies show better lifestyle choices can affect the length of our telomeres. Healthy lifestyle choices include reducing stress, exercise, a healthy diet and productive sleep.

Vitamins C and E Preserve Telomere Length The result was a significant extension of cellular lifespan, and reduction in physical changes associated with cell aging. This in turn was associated with sharp reductions in cellular free radicals.

Some previous research has suggested that there may be an association between longer telomeres and looking younger, but the evidence around this is limited, and there is even less evidence around whether telomere length is directly linked to how you feel.

The problem is that the long piece of DNA has two ends, and they're just hanging out there loose. A lot of things could go wrong if those ends aren't protected. They could get cut off, or they could join onto other loose DNA ends, which would be a problem for the cell. Telomeres are how cells protect chromosome ends.

Focusing on a plant-rich diet full of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and phytonutrients may result in longer telomeres. Physical activity and exercise decrease oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, helping to protect telomeres from damage.