Slow Down The Clock

Posted Thursday, September 13, 2007 to MARKETSPACE > Skin Care

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Put your hands up if you want to slow down the aging process and guard yourself against disease.That's probably everyone who reads this article. Well, slowing down the clock may be simpler than you think. Anita Catalano reports.

Getting older is one of those aspects of life which makes a lot of us do silly things. When new anti-aging potions, creams or elixirs hit the shelves we can't get our hands on them quick enough.

But is there truly a way to turn back the clock, prevent disease and make us not only healthy on the inside, but the outside as well? Maybe. A large number of health professionals are singing the praises of life-saving antioxidants, which we find naturally in our daily food.

But what are these wonderful things called antioxidants? Antioxidants are your cell's protector. They protect the body's billions of cells just like gas and oil prevent a car from breaking down.

Antioxidants prevent a harmful condition called oxidative stress. This condition damages the normal operation of the body's cells and produces free radicals. These free radicals are highly toxic molecules that harm DNA. Antioxidants come to the rescue by neutralizing the free radicals, therefore limiting damage to the cells.

It's believed this damage by free radicals may playa role in more than 60 different health conditions, including the aging process, heart disease and many types of cancer.

Plainly, antioxidants are one of your best natural defenses in the fight against free radicals.

Antioxidants

How do they work?

Antioxidants work in several ways: they may reduce the energy of the free radical, stop the free radical from forming in the first place, or interrupt an oxidizing chain reaction to minimize the damage of free radicals.

Once free radicals are activated, they can multiply by becoming involved in chain reactions. The resulting chain reaction potentially increases the risk of further damage to the body's cells.

A free radical has three stages: the initiation stage, propagation and termination. Antioxidants work by terminating or neutralizing free radicals in the body.

Where do we find them?

Many fruit and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that help fight the aging process. Deeply colored vegetables and fruits are said to be the best source of antioxidants.

These foods pass rapidly into the blood and digest quickly, allowing vital nutrients to be absorbed into the body.

But many health experts believe that the antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E and selenium and many carotenes, produce greater benefits when taken in natural sources in foods that as supplements.

The Big Four

Vitamin C

A major antioxidant nutrient, vitamin C is essential for healthy teeth, gums and bones. Helps heal wounds, scars and builds resistance to infection. Aids in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. Studies reveal that intake of vitamin C may decrease the risk of developing certain cancers by 75 per cent.

Found in: citrus fruit, potatoes, tomatoes, cantaloupe, asparagus, peppers, spinach, strawberries: broccoli, carrots, celery, lettuce.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a major antioxidant which protects red blood cells. It supplies oxygen to the blood, which is then carried to the heart and other organs, thus nourishing the cells and strengthening the capillary walls.

Found in: vegetable oils (soy,corn, olive, cottonseed, safflower and sunflower), nuts, sunflower seeds, liver, wheat germ, apples and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin A

Essential for night vision, vitamin A is necessary for the growth and repair of body tissue. It helps protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. Also protects against air pollutants and aids in bone and teeth formation.

Current medical research shows that foods rich in Vitamin A may help reduce the risk of lung cancer and certain oral cancers.

Found in: dark green, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits including spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, apricots, alfalfa, lettuce and cantaloupe.

Selenium

Selenium is rich in antioxidant properties. A number of studies are currently underway both in America and Europe to understand the effect of selenium on reducing the risks of cancer.

Found in: Egg yolks, tuna, seafood, chicken, liver, whole grains, grains.

The best bite

There are many foods which are packed with wonderful antioxidant properties. We've listed some of our favorites.

Lemon: A good source of vitamins C, A, B and bioflavonoids - all wonderful antioxidants that help slow down the aging process. Also contains limonene, a substance thought to block cancer causing chemicals.

Beetroot: Rich in vitamins A, B complex, C, folic acid and minerals, beetroot can provide vital nutrients to help aid recovery and repair and slow down the aging process. Recent research has indicated that beetroot's immune enhancing properties and detoxifying action may be helpful in cancer prevention and treatment.

Broccoli: Broccoli is a dark green vegetable in the cruciferous family. It is rich in fiber, provitamin A. and vitamins C and K. Broccoli contains phytochemicals, which help create immune and antioxidant support in the body. Broccoli's high levels of vitamin K may help prevent stomach and colon cancer.

Spinach: This dark, green, leafy vegetable is high in all three major antioxidants, Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene. Served to people back in 16th century England as a way to build up strength, spinach also includes fiber, which may help in lowering cholesterol and protect against heart and circulation problems.

Ginger: The Chinese have been using ginger for more than 2,000 years as a way to enhance general health and well-being. Ginger boasts a number of antioxidant properties. Source: Healing Drinks, Ann Mcintyre (Simon & Schuster, $24.95)

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