The Anti-Aging Role Of Antioxidants

nThe scientifically respected free radical theory of aging has taken on increased significance. This new movement has been largely driven by exciting new studies that point to oxygen free radicals as a prime causative factor in an ever-expanding range of health issues including heart disease, cancer, allergies, macular degeneration, and arthritis. In fact, it is generally agreed that oxidative damage to DNA may be the major underlying cause of essentially all degenerative diseases and the aging process itself.nToday, there are literally many hundreds of landmark studies that have been performed by some of the most prestigious medical institutions on the value of the antioxidants and their findings are published in numerous professional and peer-reviewed medical health journals. Of course, additional research is necessary, but based on the findings to date it is safe to assume that antioxidants could assist the body in fighting against the damage done by free radical oxidative stress.nnCauses:nMany age-related ailments are caused by free radicals. Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism. Sometimes the body’s immune system’s cells purposefully create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur.nFree radicals give rise to oxidative stress which is the main cause for various age-related ailments. Free radicals damage the body by exchanging free electrons present in their outermost shell along with the atoms and molecules of the cells. The cells accumulate free radicals which causes damage with the passage of time. Many studies have shown that radicals are linked to cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. nnThe body has its own immune system to deal with free radicals. Cell suicide or apoptosis is a body’s natural process of dealing with the cell damage due to free radicals. But if free radicals increase beyond normal limits, the immune system fails to contain the damage giving way to fatal diseases.nnTo better visualize how free radicals attack the body, think about the rust that attacks your car. Rust is caused by oxidation. And it is the oxidation of free radicals that are believed to be a cause of poor health and may even play a role in the aging process. Pollution, illness, age, poor dietary habits and stress increase free radical activity so it’s important that we nourish our body with potent antioxidant supplements to neutralize free radicals and support the immune system, the body’s first line of defense against disease.nnThe American Diet:nThe American diet has lost its colors. Iceberg lettuce is preferred over spinach. Potatoes are replaced by the tangy French fries. These dietary changes have contributed the most in deficiency of vitamins and minerals. The antioxidant intake is deficient.nnAntioxidants to Rescue:nAntioxidants intervene in the oxidation process and stop the oxidation process by providing the unstable molecule with the electrons it needs. The antioxidants neutralize the free radicals and prevent them from causing any damage to the body. It has been observed that the intervention of antioxidants slows down the aging process and reduces the possibilities of the age related ailments. Antioxidants also act against ailments like cancer, neurological disorders, heart ailments and immune deficiency.nnSources of Antioxidants: nGreen vegetables and fruits are the best known sources of antioxidants. Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, sprouts, tomatoes, carrots, beet roots are rich sources of antioxidants. Fruits rich in color such as berries, orange, plum, grapes, apricot, peach are also rich in antioxidants. nA healthy diet with plenty of colored fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants the body requires. If that’s hard to maintain, consider a nutritional supplement in the prescribed dosage to bridge the nutritional deficiency. These supplements include Green Tea Plus, CocoPure, Ruby Reds, and Royal Greens. These supplements are manufactured as per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines. n