Anti-aging Antioxidants -
Nature's Anti-aging Secret
The Amazing Anti-aging Antioxidants
Today, the anti-aging antioxidants revolution happening all around us. Antioxidants were, until recently, the world’s greatest anti-aging secret; but now the secret is definitely out. As scientists have come to study the benefits of antioxidants, there has been a wave of public interest in these important substances for their anti-aging properties and significant health benefits. Everywhere we turn these days we can find antioxidant drinks, antioxidant vitamin supplements, and
anti-aging antioxidant skin care products.
Yet, you may ask what are antioxidants?
What Are Antioxidants?
Many of the processes we call “aging” as well as many diseases associated with aging are the result of chronic, cumulative, oxidative damage to the organs, tissues and cells of our bodies. Antioxidants are our primary defense against this damage.
Reactive Oxygen Species or
free radicals
are molecules which are missing an electron, which gives them an electrical charge. In order to neutralize this unstable high energy state, free radicals either steal an electron from or donate an electron to neighboring molecules. That molecule, in turn, becomes a free radical which propagates a chain reaction that goes on to damage any number of molecules in our cells.
When too many important molecules, such as DNA, proteins, and cell membrane lipids become damaged, permanent cellular damage or cell death can occur. Cell death and cells which replicate in a damaged state play a large role in the aging process and disease.
Antioxidants are molecules which can donate an electron to other molecules without becoming unstable themselves. In this way, they are able to neutralize any free radicals they encounter, terminating the chain reactions which damage cells.
What Are the Best Sources of Antioxidants?
The
network of antioxidants
that protect our cells is made up of two classifications of antioxidants, the intrinsic and the extrinsic antioxidants. Intrinsic antioxidants are synthesized by our bodies. Extrinsic antioxidants can not be made by the body and must be obtained through our diet. Although intrinsic antioxidants are made by the body, they are often made from nutrients obtained in our diet. Also, the intrinsic antioxidant enzymes found in our cells such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase require mineral cofactors obtained in our diet in order to function. You can see how important our diet is in maximizing the anti-aging antioxidant protection of our bodies. For those who will find it difficult to eat a minimum of 5-7 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables, you may wish to consider an antioxidant vitamin supplement.
For more information on Antioxidants, click on any of the page links below:
Where do Free Radicals come from?
A detailed look at free radicals.
The Antioxidant Network
The antioxidant network is our bodies' primary defense against free radicals. A review including Glutathione, Lipoic acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and CoQ10.
Polyphenols and Flavonoid Antioxidants
Learn about the anti-aging and health benefits of polyphenols and flavonoid antioxidants found in red wine, teas and chocolate.
Carotenoids – Xanthophylls and Carotenes Classes
Carotenoids are important antioxidants including lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, beta-carotene and lycopene.
Antioxidants in Tea
What are the antioxidants in tea? Do all teas have the same antioxidants? What are the health benefits of tea? The best ways to drinking green, white and oolong tea to get the maximum health benefits!
Fish oil and Essential Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to significantly reduce the risks of heart disease and help maintain brain fitness as we age. Read more…
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