Human sedentary lifestyle is the main responsible of the increase of the risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and other metabolic diseases. Then, it is very important to find some alternative therapies based on exercise, balanced and calorie controlled diets and supplementation with bioactive compounds including those with antioxidant properties to ameliorate the life expectancy and improve the capacity of people affected for these diseases or elderly people. In the present work we show the molecular and cellular similarities between the mechanism of action of exercise, caloric restriction and polyphenols on muscle performance. Thus, therapies based on diet, exercise and dietary supplements can increase muscle capacity during aging decreasing the dependency of the individuals during later years in human life. We propose here that healthier lifestyle based on moderate exercise and an equilibrated diet together with the use of natural ergogenic compounds can be the key factors for healthy aging and the therapy for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

This work has been supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia grant DEP2005-00238-C04-04

7 páginas, 1 figura.

Peer reviewed