The Parallels Between the Longest-Lived Tree and the Longest-Lived Human
Giant Sequoia trees have protective chemical compounds called tannins that are concentrated in both the bark and heartwood or the inner, non-living core of the trees. Tannins are distinguished by their deep reddish-brown color. These tannins act as potent, natural defense mechanisms against fire, insects, fungal decay, allowing the trees to live for thousands of years. Most of the other trees do not have this higher tannin concentration in bark and heartwood.
By comparison, Ashkenazi Jewish centenarians (genetically) often possess beneficial variants of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) genes that provide instructions for making an enzyme that regulates cholesterol. Specifically, these genetic variants that lower CETP activity result in larger, healthier HDL and LDL cholesterol particles (making them more buoyant), lowering cardiovascular disease risk and contributing to exceptional longevity. The Ashkenazi centenarians also frequently display specific mutations in the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) gene. This lowers the risk of diabetes and cancer.
In the following pages, you will find ways to potentially tap into those variants that the Ashkenazi Centenarians possess by improving lifestyle choices (epigenetics), thus ultimately changing the expression of your genetics (phenotype) for the better,