Anti Aging Treatment – Antioxidant Food, Skincare And Longevity

What would happen if someone hit upon a magic potion, an instant way to a youthful you? One gulp and there you would be – your wrinkles gone, energy bursting from each and every pore radiating a youthful glow! Research shows that while we cannot stop the aging process, we can definitely control the rate at which we age. Aging occurs when our cells are permanently damaged by continuous attacks triggered by chemical particles and free radicals. These are free oxygen radicals with unpaired electrons. They are highly unstable and reactive, and have the potential to cause severe damage to cell structure. This damage accumulates over a period of time and manifest in the form of old age.

But where do these free radicals come from? Free radicals are formed through metabolic processes like digestion and respiration, when the body is eliminating toxins or fighting diseases. In addition external factors like air pollution, radiation (exposure to sunlight), cigarette smoke, insecticides, herbicides and unhealthy eating habits also generate free radicals within the body.

When you peel a banana and leave it out in the open, it turns black. In scientific terms, it has oxidized or aged. Similarly, the human body is constantly being bombarded by life erasing free radicals which make is age. The only way to slow down the process and stabilize free radicals is to neutralize them with the help of antioxidants, i.e. compounds that can give up one of their electrons without becoming unstable themselves. By consuming antioxidant rich food we can neutralize ninety nine per cent of free radical damage. In this way, we can return the free radicals to their normal state and curb their destructive activities. These antioxidants are all around us in the form of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. The three basic antioxidants are Vitamin C, E and Beta-Carotene.

Vitamin C

Recognized as one of the most powerful antioxidants, it enhances the benefits of most other antioxidants. A regular intake of about 500mg of vitamin C is one of the most economic ways to healthier living. It keeps diseases at bay, boosts immunity, strengthens the blood vessels and promotes the formation of white blood cells which are the soldiers of our body.

Beta-carotene

Did you know that a single large glass of carrot juice a day can give us more than 15,000 IU of Beta-carotene! The body uses beta-carotene to make vitamin A which helps boost the immune system, improves the rate of wound healing, improves skin quality, prevents dryness of skin, prevents hair loss and reduces the risk of cancer.

Vitamin E

It protects the blood vessels, dissolves blood clots, thins the blood and prevents strokes. It prevents oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL). It protects the lungs against pollution and is a powerful wound healer. It is known to prevent the growth of breast tumours, thus reducing the risk of cancer. A dosage of 100 IU to 400 IU a day is recommended in order to get protection against heart diseases. As vitamin E is fat-soluble, it is concentrated in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains and wheatgerm. It is virtually impossible to get 400 IU just by way of food. To obtain that from food you will have to eat at least six cups of almonds, or six pounds of wheatgerm, or twenty-five cups of peanuts! Therefore, it is advisable to take it in the form of supplements, which are available as alpha tocopherol.

Caution: People taking blood-thinning medication, should avoid taking vitamin E supplements.

Tips for anti aging treatment

Eat at least 4-5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Make sure you eat different types of fruits and vegetables as each one has a unique set of antioxidants

A glass of vegetable juice a day can keep the aging devil away! Raw vegetable juice is full of both known and unknown antioxidants

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables rather than canned ones as canning destroys a number of antioxidants

Go for deep colured fruits and vegetables. They have more antioxidant punch than the light colored ones

Switch over to olive oil for cooking and use virgin olive oil to make salad dressing

Say no to oily stuff and consume less oil, not more than two or three teaspoon per day. Excessive fat intake increases free radical activity

Never use hydrogenated oils like margarine, as it increases the risk of heart disease. Hydrogenated oils also produce more free radicals in the body which pre pone the aging process

Reduce the intake of animal fat as it is saturated and causes free radical damage. These types of fats include cheese, whole milk, ghee, red meat, beef, veal, skin of chicken etc. Reduce intake of red meat like pork, beef etc. /eat white meat like chicken, turkey and fish. Do not eat the skin of chicken

Add years to your life by eating more fish. It contains Omega – 3 fatty acids, which are heart friendly. But remember, deep frying the fish negates its anti-aging properties. So steam the fish, poach it or prepare a curry. Fish oil are known to contain antioxidants and they also unclogs the arteries

If you are a vegetarian, you can get the benefit of Omega – 3 fatty acids in certain plants foods like wheatgerm oil, walnut oil, almond oil, flaxseed oil and oil extracted from soyabeans

Switch over to green tea as it s packed with antioxidants that will slow down your aging process

Ban sugar and refined flour from your kitchen. It will help you in live longer

Take vitamin E supplements as it prevent oxidation

Eat more garlic. Studies indicate that eating raw garlic blocks the oxidation of fat present in meats

Eat in moderation. Eating and drinking in excess is harmful

Maintain a positive outlook. Do what really makes you happy because it contributes to inner peace and longevity

Keep in touch with your family and friends. Being loved and having a sense of belonging works as a shock absorber

 

While youthfulness is not a thing forever, premature aging should not be quietly accepted either.

Free Radicals and Your Longevity

Copyright (c) 2008 Stephen Lau

Many people are afflicted by cancer, autoimmune and other degenerative diseases, which are enemies of longevity. The key to longevity is to protect yourself from free radicals, which damage your immune system, making you susceptible to disease and degeneration.

The human body is composed of cells, which make up your tissues and body organs. Most of these cells replicate themselves, while some do not divide themselves, such as heart cells and neurons in the brain. Human cells require both energy and oxygen in order to function optimally.

One of the reasons why you age is that your body cells are attacked by free radicals.

Free radicals are a natural byproduct of everyday reactions that produce energy for your body. The energy is produced by reactions between many substances and oxygen in your body.

The free radical theory of aging was first introduced by Dr. Denham Harmon in 1956. According to Dr. Harmon’s theory, your body is composed of negatively and positively charged molecules, which form your skin, brain and other body organs. These negatively and positively charged molecules must be balanced or neutral in order to provide a healthy environment for cell renewal and rejuvenation.

Molecules, including oxygen, fatty acids, amino acids, and DNA, are basic components used to build and repair your body cells. These molecules are held together by electrons. Stable molecules have electrons that are paired. When a molecule does not have a pair, it becomes extremely reactive, and begins searching for a pair to make it stable. Basically, it will do just about anything to find a partner, including stealing and damaging other molecules. When a stable molecule loses an electron, it becomes a free radical, which then steals an electron from another stable molecule, causing that molecule to become imbalanced, and so a chain reaction ensues. Disease and degeneration occur when there is imbalance in molecules. Having an electron deficit, due to the imbalance, molecules can be extremely reactive and damaging to body proteins and fats, in particular the DNA.

There are several types of free radicals created by the environment, and oxygen free radicals are the most damaging ones, especially to your DNA and cell membranes.

As you age, your immune system weakens, as evidenced by frequent incidence of infections and influenza. This is because your B- and T-cells in your immune system become inhibited when they are frequently exposed to oxidizing compounds of oxygen free radicals.

The cumulative damage to your DNA as a result of exposure to free radicals is a major cause of many human cancers.

When you are over sixty, you may have a higher risk of cataracts, which is a clouding of the lens in the eye, resulting in blurry vision. Fortunately, vitamins C and E, and carotenoids have strong preventive effects on cataracts.

Another damaging role of oxygen free radicals is their impact on cardiovascular diseases. When your LDL or “bad cholesterol” is attacked by free radicals, it becomes more easily attached to the walls of your arteries, forming plaques that block the flow of blood to your heart. These hazardous conditions are often precursors of heart attacks.

Finally, the neurons in your brain can be damaged by oxygen free radicals. The damage to the neurons may be irreparable because neurons, unlike other body cells, cannot replicate themselves.

Cataracts, heart diseases, cancer, brain damage, and a weakened immune system are all related to aging.

The good news is that the antioxidants present in some foods rich in carotenoids (carrots), flavonoids (onions), vitamins C and E are most effective in fighting off and neutralizing oxygen free radicals.

Longevity is the Quest of Many Individuals

 

Instead of worrying about the quality of life we are given (or self created) we are eager to extent our longevity. Evolutionary biologists, who theorize about why some organisms naturally live longer than others, ask if there is any reason to believe that maximum human life span, already at the upper end of longevity among mammals, could be increased at all even as researchers on aging, spurred by new experimental breakthroughs, increasingly ask, Why not. At present, the mean life expectancy in developed countries is about 70 to 80 years while the documented record for longevity is 122years. Separately, geneticists studying long-lived people appear to be narrowing in on a gene common to centenarians that promotes longevity.

Aging

Aging is inevitable and is something that all humans will have to eventually face. Aging is a summary term for a set of processes, which contribute to health deterioration and ultimately to death with the passage of time (calendar age). In other words any process, which contributes to age-related decline in performance, productivity and health is a component of the aging process that deserves our attention and intervention.

Radicals

Radicals can damage cells by reacting with cellular components; this type of damage is called oxidation and can result in serious injury to cells. The traditional theory that longevity and rate of aging are determined by metabolic rate and the rate of production of free radicals has had broad appeal as an explanation for why some animals live longer than others. Animals that live fast, so the theory goes, will die young, because high metabolism produces free radicals at a high rate. According to this model, which is known as the metabolic rate/oxidative stress theory, long-lived animals should have high concentrations of antioxidant enzymes in their tissues and low concentrations of free radicals. Antioxidants can cancel out the cell-damaging effects of free radicals.

Antioxidants

While free radicals attack our cells and pollute our bodies, antioxidants allow us to fight back. Antioxidants are compounds in fruits and vegetables that may be helpful in avoiding chronic disease. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A, and other substances. They act as “free radical scavengers” and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals. Antioxidants also help reduce inflammation, keep arteries flexible, and preserve the genetic material every cell contains to prevent mutation. It is interesting to note that, in the normal concentrations found in the body, vitamin C and beta-carotene are antioxidants; but at higher concentrations they are pro-oxidants and, thus, harmful.

Prevention

In the medical and more reputable business community, anti-aging medicine means early detection, prevention, and reversal of age-related diseases. By using advances in antiaging medicine for disease prevention we can avoid certain conditions which would kill us early, however, this does not actually extend the maximum lifespan barrier. The role of antioxidants is a particularly popular nutrition topic in the media these days; in particular, their role in cancer prevention, anti-aging, and heart health. Resveratrol is a powerful agent in both prevention and treatment of many factors associated with decreases in our longevity and health. Resveratrol is the only natural product with such strong evidence to show it stops cancerous cell development at various stages. Resveratrol supplements may contain anywhere from 10-50 mg of resveratrol, but the effective doses for chronic disease prevention in humans are not known.

Supplements

Supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are also widely used as ingredients in dietary supplements in the hope of maintaining health and preventing diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease. The anti-aging industry is offering a dizzying array of hormones and supplements. It is best to obtain these antioxidants from foods instead of supplements. If you are interested in taking antioxidant supplements, talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

 

 

Does Resveratrol Act As An Anti-Aging Supplement To Enhance Longevity

Resveratrol is a chemical that is found naturally on the skin of red grapes, of the polyphenol family that includes such other members as the powerful antioxidants anthocyanadin and the flavanoids. They destroy free radicals that are responsible for many ill effects in the body, including cardiovascular disease and aging. Aging occurs through the destruction of body cells that free radicals initiate, and can theoretically be retarded by the destruction of the free radicals.

Free radicals are becoming more common invaders of our bodies due to their increasing concentration in the atmosphere through vehicle and aircraft emissions, and also of our seas and rivers through industrial effluents. Free radicals are also created by excessive radiation, such as the harmful UV content of sunlight that is no longer effectively filtered by an adequate ozone layer.

Resveratrol is known to be effective against cardiovascular diseases due to its anti oxidant properties, and also for other reasons, but it is also believed to be a possible anti-aging supplement, to beat off the effects of old age. There is the obvious reason of it being a very powerful anti-oxidant and so preventing cell damage through the effects of free radicals, but there is more to it than just that.

The French do not seem to possess a longevity beyond that which could be expected from their diet high in saturated fats and alcohol. The fact that most of that alcohol is in the form of wines, especially red wines, is significant, but their high cheese intake with its cholesterol and saturated fat content, and other highly saturated animal fats, would be expected to cause a much lower average life expectancy that that which is actually normal in the area.

Although resveratrol is commonly found on red grape skins, and is a constituent of red wine, the quantities are small and it is the Japanese Knotweed that is the major natural source. Resveratrol is currently manufactured from knotweed, which is the main source of the supplement in health food stores. In fact you can purchase online what is described as ‘>99% pure knotweed Resveratrol that is not contaminated with plant residues.’ A lot depends on your viewpoint I suppose!

Perhaps the biggest contribution to be made to longevity by resveratrol is that it can activate the SIRT1 gene. This is the gene that activates the protein and enzyme sirtuin. Sirtuin is thought to be what is loosely terms a ‘protector of cells’ and helps cells to repair themselves when they are close to destruction. When the cell is not sure whether to carry on with the struggle or just give up and die, sirtuin persuades it to fight on and to repair itself. Without the sirtuin, the cell would have died, and as cells die, one ages.

However, the amount of resveratrol found in red wine is insufficient to activate the SIRT1 gene that has to be active before the sirtuin is activated, and supplementation is generally needed. The SIRT1 gene is also activated by a calorie reduced diet, and this can also help to protect cells from dying under stress. Such diets are useful in some situations, but will not necessarily prolong life for those that adopt it.

The SIRT1 enzyme is also thought by some to increase the activity of the mitochondria, the power packs inside cells that provide them with energy by processing fats. Mice fed with resveratrol appeared full of energy that was consistent with a surge in the number and efficiency of the mitochondria within their body cells. This is supported by an increase in muscle tissue. If this is true, and studies on this are continuing, then resveratrol fed to humans could also increase their energy as they age, since the aging process coincides with a reduction in the number and efficiency of the mitochondria within the cells.

This could also tie up in a way with the calorie controlled diet, since an increase in the metabolism that comes with increased mitochondria activity results in a higher calorie uptake, and so a reduction in the free calories available in the body. However, one of the mysteries of the human body is that what makes logical sense does not necessarily work in fact, and so the jury will remain out until the results of the large number of studies underway have been published.

For example, more evidence is required to prove the mitochondria activity theory unequivocally although all of the evidence so far tends to support it. At the moment resveratrol has restricted known uses, though the evidence is being collected and accumulated to provide support for the theories that exist on its ability to help us live longer and with more energy.

As more studies are carried out over the next few years, it seems highly likely that many more beneficial effects will be discovered, and those we are aware of confirmed by scientific proof. Resveratrol has many medicinal properties in addition to its beneficial effect on aging, such as its antioxidant properties, and ability to destroy free radicals, its anti-inflammatory properties where it is of benefit in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and also its effect as an antiseptic agent.

It is already known to increase the longevity of fruit flies, yeasts and worms and results on mice are just as encouraging. The theory behind its effect on human longevity is valid science, and it is known that if cells have a longer time to repair broken DNA, then they are able to do so. The enzyme sirtuin does this, and that is activated by the SIRT1 gene that is turn is activated by resveratrol. So the theory works, and so far laboratory tests are supporting this theory.

Whether or not resveratrol helps us to live longer or look younger as we age is not yet known, but studies are under way. Since the material is natural and not a prescription drug, there is nothing to prevent you from using it, but you are advised to consult your doctor before trying out medication that you have not taken before.

Resveratrol Is An Anti-Aging Pholyphenol That May Increase Longevity

Resveratrol is a chemical that is found naturally on the skin of red grapes, of the polyphenol family that includes such other members as the powerful antioxidants anthocyanadin and the flavanoids. They destroy free radicals that are responsible for many ill effects in the body, including cardiovascular disease and aging. Aging occurs through the destruction of body cells that free radicals initiate, and can theoretically be retarded by the destruction of the free radicals.

Free radicals are becoming more common invaders of our bodies due to their increasing concentration in the atmosphere through vehicle and aircraft emissions, and also of our seas and rivers through industrial effluents. Free radicals are also created by excessive radiation, such as the harmful UV content of sunlight that is no longer effectively filtered by an adequate ozone layer.

Resveratrol extract is known to be effective against cardiovascular diseases due to its anti oxidant properties, and also for other reasons, but it is also believed to be a possible anti-aging supplement, to beat off the effects of old age. There is the obvious reason of it being a very powerful anti-oxidant and so preventing cell damage through the effects of free radicals, but there is more to it than just that.

The French do not seem to possess a longevity beyond that which could be expected from their diet high in saturated fats and alcohol. The fact that most of that alcohol is in the form of wines, especially red wines, is significant, but their high cheese intake with its cholesterol and saturated fat content, and other highly saturated animal fats, would be expected to cause a much lower average life expectancy that that which is actually normal in the area.

Although resveratrol extract is commonly found on red grape skins, and is a constituent of red wine, the quantities are small and it is the Japanese Knotweed that is the major natural source. Resveratrol extract is currently manufactured from knotweed, which is the main source of the supplement in health food stores. In fact you can purchase online what is described as ‘Greater than 99% pure knotweed Resveratrol extract that is not contaminated with plant residues.’ A lot depends on your viewpoint I suppose!

Perhaps the biggest contribution to be made to longevity by resveratrol is that it can activate the SIRT1 gene. This is the gene that activates the protein and enzyme sirtuin. Sirtuin is thought to be what is loosely terms a ‘protector of cells’ and helps cells to repair themselves when they are close to destruction. When the cell is not sure whether to carry on with the struggle or just give up and die, sirtuin persuades it to fight on and to repair itself. Without the sirtuin, the cell would have died, and as cells die, one ages.

However, the amount of resveratrol found in red wine is insufficient to activate the SIRT1 gene that has to be active before the sirtuin is activated, and supplementation is generally needed. The SIRT1 gene is also activated by a calorie reduced diet, and this can also help to protect cells from dying under stress. Such diets are useful in some situations, but will not necessarily prolong life for those that adopt it.

The SIRT1 enzyme is also thought by some to increase the activity of the mitochondria, the power packs inside cells that provide them with energy by processing fats. Mice fed with resveratrol extract appeared full of energy that was consistent with a surge in the number and efficiency of the mitochondria within their body cells. This is supported by an increase in muscle tissue. If this is true, and studies on this are continuing, then resveratrol extract fed to humans could also increase their energy as they age, since the aging process coincides with a reduction in the number and efficiency of the mitochondria within the cells.

This could also tie up in a way with the calorie controlled diet, since an increase in the metabolism that comes with increased mitochondria activity results in a higher calorie uptake, and so a reduction in the free calories available in the body. However, one of the mysteries of the human body is that what makes logical sense does not necessarily work in fact, and so the jury will remain out until the results of the large number of studies underway have been published.

For example, more evidence is required to prove the mitochondria activity theory unequivocally although all of the evidence so far tends to support it. At the moment resveratrol has restricted known uses, though the evidence is being collected and accumulated to provide support for the theories that exist on its ability to help us live longer and with more energy.

As more studies are carried out over the next few years, it seems highly likely that many more beneficial effects will be discovered, and those we are aware of confirmed by scientific proof. Resveratrol extract has many medicinal properties in addition to its beneficial effect on aging, such as its antioxidant properties, and ability to destroy free radicals, its anti-inflammatory properties where it is of benefit in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and also its effect as an antiseptic agent.

It is already known to increase the longevity of fruit flies, yeasts and worms and results on mice are just as encouraging. The theory behind its effect on human longevity is valid science, and it is known that if cells have a longer time to repair broken DNA, then they are able to do so. The enzyme sirtuin does this, and that is activated by the SIRT1 gene that is turn is activated by resveratrol. So the theory works, and so far laboratory tests are supporting this theory.

Whether or not resveratrol helps us to live longer or look younger as we age is not yet known, but studies are under way. Since the material is natural and not a prescription drug, there is nothing to prevent you from using it, but you are advised to consult your doctor before trying out medication that you have not taken before.