Antioxidants for healthy anti-ageing

The most valuable compounds which can slow down the natural ageing of our cells, a process called oxidation, are nature's antioxidants.

In human beings, oxidation is a normal part of metabolism and is responsible for food being broken down and used for energy, growth and repair. But another aspect of oxidation is that particles are formed known as free radicals, which act inside the cell to break down proteins and fats.Antioxidants mop up these undesirable free radicals. The body does produce its own antioxidants but the level of these drop as we age. Ageing is also accelerated by factors in the environment so we need good quantities of the various antioxidants as we grow older.

Easily obtainable antioxidants are carotenoids found in red, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits. Others are called flavonoids, in particular resveratrol, found in red grapes and red wine. A type of flavonoid called catechins is found in tea especially the green variety.

Antioxidants appear to work best against specific diseases in combinations, and with other micronutrients.They prevent or slow down age-related macular degeneration of the eye or AMD. Research shows that a combination of vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene and zinc slows down the progression of AMD by about 25 per cent in those who are at advanced stages of the disease. An important carotenoid antioxidant for the eyes is lutein found in tomatoes. Lutein works to protect the retina against toxic substances which are activated by incoming blue light. Lutein is valuable against the onset and progression of cataracts and delays ageing of the lens.

It would seem at present that a combination of essential vitamins such as Vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A will fight heart disease as separately these have all been shown to perform dfferent functions for the heart and arteries. Perhaps the most benefit could be obtained from eating a variety of raw and cooked brightly coloured vegetables and fruits together with perhaps a good antioxidant supplement.

But a glass of red wine at the end of a busy day might just be the answer to the ravages of time!

What's this?