Many Diseases Might Be Caused by Mitochondrial Dysfunction; Here Are 4 Ways to Prevent It

What you eat—and when you eat it—can undermine the mitochondria that power 90 percent of cellular activity

Mitochondria have a double-membrane structure. ART-ur/Shutterstock

Mitochondria have received increasing attention in recent years, as they have a big impact on one’s quality of life and rate of aging. Protecting mitochondria can slow aging, prevent chronic diseases, and even fight cancer.

Mitochondria Are the Power Plants of the Cell

Mitochondria are organelles in cells. They are very small, typically between 0.75 and 3 square microns in cross section, and cannot be seen under a microscope unless stained with a dye that can permeate cells.

The number of mitochondria in each cell varies, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand. Cells with higher energy demands, such as liver cells and cardiac muscle cells, tend to have more mitochondria.