AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TOWARDS AGEING AND LONGEVITY - ANTIOXIDANT

Antioxidant is the much talked about topic nowadays. They are much in demand today all over the world. People are using them to regain mental as well as physical well-being. Despite their popularity, there is a great lack of information on the topic of antioxidants. This article tries to deal with that issue. Firstly, we should know that what an antioxidant means. Antioxidants are molecules that are useful in preventing the early oxidation of our bodily cells. Oxidation of the body cells can lead to the generation of free radicals that are solely responsible for the aging as well as degenerative processes happening in the body. These antioxidants are involved in inhibiting the production of these free radicals thereby making you feel younger and healthier both mentally and physically. In our body, there are continuous constructive (anabolism) and destructive (catabolism) processes going on. These are collectively known as metabolism. During such metabolic changes, ions or ionic groups are produced, called as free radicals. These free radicals are produced help the body to carry out the normal functions. Though these free radicals are produced by the normal bodily activity, they are indeed harmful for our body especially when considered in the long term. In simple words, these are responsible for making us old and initiate the process of aging. Growing old can be defined as the process in which there is decline in the physical and mental functioning of the body. In simple words decreased memory skills, lower immunity and reduced physical stamina is the sign of aging. In general, it means people consume these antioxidants to avoid aging, impaired metabolism and general debility of the body. People conceptualize antioxidants as per their convenience. According to some people, antioxidants are substances that are consumed to strengthen the immune system, for some it is being consumed to avoid aging processes of the body and for some it is the method by which they can be healthy and attain longevity. Ayurveda, being an age-old science, also laid stress on consuming the antioxidants. These are mentioned in the very first chapter of the Ayurvedic book of medicine, Charaka Samhita. According to the text, rasayana the synonym of antioxidant are consumed to attain longevity and maintain the healthy life. # Below are some powerful Anti-oxidants that are the contributions of Ayurveda : Amalaki : is an herb famous for its rich Vitamin C content has also attained its popularity due to its bulk presence in chyawanprash. Amalaki possesses certain chemicals like gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulinic acid, quercetin, chebulagic acid and corilagin that provide it with the power to act as an antioxidant. According to the Ayurvedic point of view, due to its cold potency and presence of five tastes, it is very helpful in avoiding oxidation of the cells. Haritaki : has a hot potency and has five tastes. Botanically Haritaki is known as Terminalia chebula. The herb is famous for its astonishing healing power and its wonderful results in treating many diseases. Asparagus : A rich source of vitamins and minerals, asparagus contains glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that is very helpful in reducing free radical production. Glutathione has been involved curing the thirty types of cancers. It is also a powerful agent, which is helpful in treating diseases of cardiovascular system and respiratory system. Triphala : This is not a single herb but a uniqueness of ayurveda and its power of treatment. Triphala is a miraculous herb combination that has gained its popularity as the most successful antioxidant. Triphala contains a mixture of three prestigious herbs Amalaki, Haritaki and Bhibitaki. Triphala is considered as the a divine medicine that has gained a respect as the drug of choice for treating almost every disease that exist on the face of the earth To conclude this article I will always prefer all the reader of this article to definitely try the herbal antioxidant so as to achieve the maximum benefit without facing any harmful side effects of the chemically prepared antioxidants. Feel the power of ayurveda in your life ! - See more at: http://www.ayurvedahimachal.com/index.php?page=completearticle&&id=11#sthash.MaRk6wqq.dpuf