If you have ever think why there are people who do not age, or who always look young, science has now come to uncover this mystery. It is not because they are addicted to Botox or hyaluronic acid, rather, it would have to do with the blood type of each individual. Yes, just as you read it. We are going to tell you everything that science has discovered about youth and its relationship with blood groups. Perhaps, youth was not so much about drinking from the Chalice as it was about having good genes!
Ageing slower because of blood?
That’s right, a recent study by Planet Today suggests that people who belong to blood group B age slower than the rest. This doesn’t mean that if you have another blood type you will get wrinkles before your time, but scientists have found that people with blood group B seem to have a better capacity for cell regeneration and tissue repair. Now it all makes sense, right?
The secret of youth?
Before you rush out to check what your blood type is, it’s important to stress that this doesn’t mean that you will be immortal forever, nor that people who are not blood group B are at a disadvantage, but that connections are being discovered between cell regeneration and blood groups (it’s worth remembering that you are also more than just your blood type and your DNA, you are your habits!!!)
What are blood groups?
They are different types of blood that people have, and they differ depending on the presence or absence of molecules in the red blood cells and plasma (antigens and antibodies). They are important because thanks to these groups we can know if we can receive a blood transfusion without your body rejecting it. They are organized into four groups:
- Group A: Has the A antigen in the red blood cells and antibodies against type B in the plasma.
- Group B: Has the B antigen in the red blood cells and antibodies against type A in the plasma.
- Group AB: Has both antigens (A and B) and has no antibodies against any group (can receive blood of any type).
- Group O: They do not have antigens on their red blood cells, but they do have antibodies against groups A and B. (They can only receive blood of the same type, but can donate to any other group)
And another factor of blood types is that they have Rh (another protein) that can be positive (+) or negative (-).
What do these studies say?
Several studies (such as the Japanese study of Experimental Gerontology or the BMC Medicine) show that longevity is related to people who share this group B, however, the second study also highlights that groups A and B are more likely to die from heart disease or stroke compared to those in group 0.
If we look at the data, those with A, B or AB are 9% more likely to die from some disease in general, and 15% more likely to die from heart problems, as well as having a higher risk of developing stomach cancer.
But don’t panic, this doesn’t mean that you should rush to the doctor to get checked, or that all people with this blood group will get sick, but they are more likely to do so compared to the other group.
So, even if your blood type indicates that you are younger or at greater risk for something, the important thing is that you maintain a balanced diet, reduce your stress as much as you can (which is not easy) and stay active, because that is what will really determine how we take care of our body.