The Longevity Factor

A groundbreaking examination of new scientific research that holds the secret to weight loss, increased strength, endurance, memory, and a healthier, longer life In The Longevity Factor, noted neuroscientist and surgeon Joseph Maroon, M.D., offers the definitive look at recent scientific breakthroughs identifying a group of natural substances -- including the much-publicized molecule resveratrol -- that can actually activate a specific set of genes in humans that promote a longer, healthier life. These substances, which make red wine, dark chocolate, and green tea good for us, appear to stave off a wide array of age-related diseases and keep us feeling young and vital. Resveratrol is the centerpiece of headline-making research being conducted at the Harvard Medical School and elsewhere. Only recently, however, have scientists discovered how to isolate resveratrol and concentrate it into an affordable and safe supplement. Already, more than 200 supplements featuring resveratrol have flooded the market, and there are countless more on the way. But which ones work best? What is a consumer to look for on the label? Since resveratrol is a natural substance, can you get enough of it through diet alone, or should you combine diet with a supplement? And what lies on the horizon from the pharmaceutical industry? All those questions and many more are answered in this immensely informative and practical book. Joseph Maroon offers the first-ever inside look at the amazing research that has led to the discovery of resveratrol and similar substances with the miraculous ability to activate our own longevity genes. He also offers his own diet plan and sound, reader-friendly advice for living a longer, healthier, and more balanced life with or without supplements. The Longevity Factor promises to be the authoritative source for everyone who wants to know more about how we can shift from the current paradigm of aging to a disease-free golden age of health, longevity, and fitness.

Joseph Maroon, M.D.; foreword by Joseph Baur, Ph.D.

Foreword by Joseph A. Baur, PhD Introduction PART I: DISCOVERY, XENOHORMESIS, AND XENO FACTORS 1. The Origins of Life 2. Molecular Pioneers and the Discovery of Longevity Genes 3. Causes of Aging 4. Calorie Restriction and Longevity 5. Beginning to Understand Longevity Genes 6. The French Paradox and the Holy Grail of Aging PART II: THE AUSTRALIAN EXTRACT 7. Serendipity and the Australian Connection 8. Leaps of Faith PART III: HEALTH BENEFITS OF XENO FACTORS 9. Live Longer, Improve Memory, Enhance Endurance, and More 10. Diabetes 11. Cardio Protection 12. The Anticancer Effect 13. Stroke Prevention 14. Degenerative Brain Diseases and Brain Protection 15. Other Inflammatory Conditions 16. Sources, Safety, Bioavailability, and Dosage 17. The Hows and Whys of Overweight PART IV: UNLOCKING THE GENETIC SECRETS TO LIVING HEALTHIER AND LONGER 18. What's a Person to Do? 19. The Four-Step Xeno Longevity/Weight-Loss Program 20. Summing Up
Appendix A: Classification of Xeno Factors Appendix B: Timeline of Discovery Appendix C: Existing Patents and NIH-Funded Clinical Trials Appendix D: Partial List of Fish Oil Supplements and Multivitamins Acknowledgments References Index