Aging is a very scientifically complex process which involves many systems within our bodies. There is no magic bullet, wrinkle cream, pill or substance which can reverse the aging process on its own. However, the body is capable of healing and repairing itself when it’s supported by good nutrition. To understand the anti-aging process, it’s necessary to review the choices a cell can make to replace itself. A cell can replace itself with a cell which is weaker, which is the most likely when a cell hasn’t had the correct nutritional support. Or, a cell can replace itself with the same strength of cell which means the body doesn’t improve. Or, a cell can replace itself with another cell which is stronger and better. This process is called regeneration, or anti-aging.
Free Radicals Cause Aging and Disease
One popular theory to explain the aging process is The Free Radical Theory. This theory is based on the belief that damage caused by free radicals are the causes for aging and diseases. Free radicals are highly unstable molecules created within our bodies which bind with and can destroy cells. Free radicals can be created by environmental exposure, such as the sun, chemicals, and radiation. Compounds which prevent free-radicals from causing cell damage are called antioxidants. The antioxidants which are the most protective against aging include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and flavonoids.
Vitamin C is Beneficial for the SkinVitamin C is highly protective for the body, and is most well known for being a cold and flu fighter. It also is a powerful aid in healing, tissue growth and repair, and is essential for collagen. Excellent food sources of vitamin C include leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, parsley, mustard and turnip greens, and kale. Also, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts, as well as the more familiar citrus sources such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit.
Vitamin E sounds like it’s a single substance but actually is a group of fat-soluble vitamins that are active throughout the body. Vitamin E helps prevent oxidative stress by working with a group of other nutrients. This group includes vitamin C, glutathione selenium, and vitamin B3. The best sources of vitamin E include mustard greens, turnip greens, chard and sunflower seeds.
Carotenes are Important Antioxidants
Carotenes are thought to possibly be the most important of dietary antioxidants for increasing life span. Carotenes are the most prevalent group of naturally occurring pigments in plants which give fruits and vegetables their bright colors. Foods rich in carotenes include green leafy vegetables, yams, sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots and mangoes.
Flavonoids Offer Significant ProtectionAnother type of plant with impressive protection of free-radical damage is flavonoids. Besides being responsible for the colors of fruits and flowers, they also protect against envirommental stress and strengthen the bodies response to allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. The best way to guarantee sufficient intake of flavonoids is to eat a diet high in a variety of fruits and vegetables. The best sources of flavonoids are berries, onions, citrus, green tea, and red wine.
A Healthy DIet is the Best Defense
The best ammunition against disease, wrinkles, and pain is a healthy diet. While some people have a healthy dose of good genetics and luck, for the most part, overall health has several pieces to the puzzle. By including more antioxidant foods into your diet, you have a much better chance of living longer and looking better. But the greatest benefit of all is to feel great and get the most out of life at the same time.
Cheryl Heppard - Cheryl Heppard lives Michigan where she is a board certified holistic health counselor and also a business and marketing coach for health ...
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