Scientists have revealed the main enemy of youth — and it's not sugar

We are used to considering sugar, stress, and sun as the main culprits of aging. However, a new study has shown: there is another, much more insidious factor that accelerates the aging of the body - and many don't even think about it. This is chronic inflammation.

Hidden enemy
Chronic (or "low-grade") inflammation differs from the usual one - when the body responds to infection or injury. In this case, the body does not "turn off" the inflammatory response, even if there is no obvious threat. As a result, cells are subjected to constant stress, and tissues slowly deteriorate.

Accelerated aging
According to research, it is chronic inflammation that is associated with premature skin aging, memory deterioration, decreased immunity, and even the risk of early development of age-related diseases - from diabetes to Alzheimer's disease. This condition has even received a separate term - "inflammaging" (from English inflammation and aging).

What causes inflammation?
It turns out that we ourselves often push the body towards this condition:

• improper nutrition (fried foods, fast food, excess trans fats and processed products);

• lack of sleep and chronic stress;

• sedentary lifestyle;

• polluted air;

• alcohol and smoking.

How to protect youth?
Scientists advise focusing on fighting internal inflammation:

• eat more vegetables, berries, nuts, fish, and whole grain products;

• establish a sleep schedule and provide the body with regular physical activity;

• practice anti-stress techniques (meditation, breathing, walks);

• limit alcohol and quit smoking.