The Immortality Edge
Realize the Secrets of Your Telomeres for a Longer, Healthier Life
by Michael Fossel, M.D.
Mem. Ed. $20.99
Pub. Ed. $25.95
You pay $1.99
The Immortality Edge
The tips of your chromosomes contain built-in clocks. These clocks are relatively long strands of “junk” DNA called telomeres whose primary function is to protect that chromosome’s functional DNA. Also, by limiting cell division, telomeres help protect against cancer. Every time chromosomes divide, part of the telomere sequence is chopped off, indirectly triggering aging as well as certain diseases.
Based on insights by Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider, and Jack Szostak—who won a 2009 Nobel Prize for their telomere research—The Immortality Edge argues that it is possible to keep your telomeres healthy for a longer life. Michael Fossel, Greta Blackburn and Dave Woynarowski include a highly prescriptive program that shows you how to possibly increase the chances of living longer by slowing the rate of telomere shortening and rejuvenating your cells through relatively simple alterations in nutrition habits and other lifestyle changes.
The book provides a concise snapshot of the current state of telomere science and gerontology, stressing the links between diet, lifestyle and aging. The authors go on to outline a variety of dietary supplements and foods that may slow the onset of the effects of aging, from omega-3 fish oil to green tea extract, from blueberries to grapefruit and almonds. But there is much more to the plan than what to eat; we also learn how exercise, including high-intensity interval training, in addition to practices such as meditation, might potentially play a key role in reducing the rate of telomere shortening and its effects on the body. In addition to recipes and exercise regimens, the book is filled with quizzes to help you gauge your progress.
The Immortality Edge outlines a realistic plan that may improve the length and quality of your life.
Hardcover : 288 pages
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ( December 20, 2010 )
Item #: 13-213905
ISBN: 9780470873908
Product Dimensions: 6.125 x 9.25 inches
Product Weight: 17.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
No thank you. 
January 05, 2011
I have not read this book, nor will I. I am not impressed by the authors' presumptions about "how to possibly increase the chances of living longer" through their prescription for fish oil, exercise and the like. Readers would do better by spending their money on Gary Taubes "Good Calories, Bad Calories" in order to gain reliable insights into the true mess that today's nutritional sciences have become, and well as finding real answers for living longer through diet.
Reviewer: Steve P
Copyright © Bookspan. Scientific American® is a registered trademark, used under license. Unauthorized use prohibited. All rights reserved.
45007201205ADFL
Card Security Code
The card security code is an added safeguard for your credit/debit card purchases. Depending on the type of card you use, it is either a three- or four-digit number printed on the back or front of your credit/debit card, separate from your credit/debit card number. To make shopping at Scientific American Book Club® even more secure, we require that you enter this number each time you make a credit/debit card purchase. Please note that your security code will not be stored with us even if you have saved your credit/debit card information.
