Advanced Glycated End Products (AGEs) are compounds formed in your body when sugars in your blood stick to proteins or fats. This process, called glycation, happens naturally but speeds up when you have high blood sugar levels, like in diabetes or prediabetes.
AGEs are troublemakers because they promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to tissues. They're linked to serious health issues like complications from diabetes, heart problems, Alzheimer's disease, and skin aging.
These compounds build up in your body from the sugars in your diet or from how your body processes them. Foods cooked at high temperatures or those with lots of added sugar can add to this buildup.
Once AGEs form, they can wreak havoc on tissues like your skin, blood vessels, kidneys, and even your brain by messing with important proteins like collagen and elastin.
Although your body tries to remove AGEs naturally, sometimes it can't keep up, especially if you have diabetes or as you age. Understanding AGEs is crucial because it helps manage these health issues and keeps you healthier overall. Taking steps to control your blood sugar levels and eating a balanced diet can go a long way in reducing AGEs and their harmful effects.