Melatonin Could Be a New-age Miracle

Scottish Daily Record

07-25-05

Scientists believe they have come up with a new theory which holds the key to eternal youth.

Their research is based on the use of melatonin - a chemical made by a pea-sized gland in the brain.

The miracle substance has already been proven to help people and combat jet-lag. However, it could also help us stay young, boost our immune systems, fight off cancer and prevent cataracts.

The natural levels of melatonin in our blood decrease as we get older. If the substance is taken as a supplement, however, scientists believe the effects can be staggering.

Italian immunologist Walter Pierpaoli, author of The Melatonin Miracle, claims that when mice were given the extra levels of the hormone, they outlived their life expectancies by almost one third.

Other researchers say it also helps the body fight free radicals - molecules in our bodies which can damage cells and DNA.

The production of melatonin is controlled by light filtered through a nerve pathway from the eyes to the pineal gland in the brain. During darkness, the gland releases melatonin into the blood, which prepares us for . Our heart rate and digestionstart to slow down and our body temperature and blood pressure drops.

Melatonin production is automatically shut off when light hits the retina.

This has led many researchers to believe that optimal melatonin production is the key to slowing down the biological clock.