HOW TO DELAY AGING WITH ANTIOXIDANTS

WHAT CAUSES AGING

The human body is made up of systems; we are overly familiar with digestive and blood circulatory systems etc. These systems are made up of organs that are made up of tissues. Tissues are made up of cells, which are the smallest units of life. When damages occur at the cellular level, that is, when cells are damaged in any way, the overall function of the organs are impaired and that leads to malfunctions called diseases or in most general cases, aging. These damages can be caused by the everyday exposure to radioactivity, the effects of a diminishing ozone layer, preservatives and
chemical additives in foods. Naturally, cells rupture to reproduce new ones as we grow which may result in loss of molecular electrons.

These exposures result in the rupturing of cellular molecules, which results in loss of electrons leaving the other part of the molecule as a ‘free radical’. This process is called oxidation. To restore balance, the free radical frantically tries to steal an electron from a nearby molecule. In doing so, it wreaks molecular havoc, careening into proteins, fat, and the genetic DNA of cells, disfiguring or corroding them. If the target is fat, the radical can set off wildly destructive chain reactions that breakdown membranes leaving cells to disintegrate. If the radical hits proteins, it can destroy the cells ability to function. If it hits DNA, it can cause mutation that incite cells to aberrant behavior. Overtime, free radical damage leaves the body aged and diseased. Aging therefore takes place when cells become worn out from oxidation overtime which manifests in worn out tissues, negative growth, cramps and other diseases normally identified with the aged.

Many free radicals are produced in our personal environment, such as sunlight, smog, high altitude, exposure to x-ray, toxins in food and water, pollen, ozone, molds and dust, and so forth. We can’t avoid free radicals. They are everywhere. What we can do is attempt to diminish their impact on the body.

THE ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants literally means “against oxidation.” Antioxidants are the ‘good guys’ that continually combat the harmful effects of oxidation in the body by providing the cells with electrons without becoming harmful themselves. The net result of their work is that they prolong the life of cells, and thus prolong life itself. Taken in sufficient amounts, antioxidants can saturate all of our cells and tissues to provide protection against free radicals. Antioxidants are the important nutrients in detoxifying the body and cleaning up harmful wastes. The body makes special antioxidant enzymes, but you can also get many antioxidants in foods and nutritional supplements.

THE MAJOR ANTIOXIDANTS

The most active antioxidants are mostly vitamins while others are micro substances present in food. The major antioxidants are:

      Vitamin A is found only in animal sources like fish liver oils, liver, milk, butter, eggs, cream etc. it is required in all situations that have to do with vision and the eyes, builds resistance to respiratory infections, increases immunity, prevents birth defects, helps with skin conditions and acne.

-             Vitamin C is mainly present in rose hips, citrus fruit and juices, strawberries, blueberries, raw vegetables (vitamin C is destroyed when vegetables are cooked). Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant to protect against cellular damage formation and maintenance of collagen also called the ‘skin’s cement’, helps in wound healing and burns, and increases the absorption of iron and calcium (very important for aged people) it also activated insulin (important for sugar regulation in the blood). Recommended daily amount is 60mg though optional daily amount can range from 1000 – 6000 mg depending on your need.

-                      Vitamin E is present in soybean oil, peanuts, cabbage, spinach, asparagus etc. It prevents the oxidation of the cells; may be useful in diabetes, congenital heart disease and leg problems due to poor circulation of blood. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects against radiation, prevents strokes, normalizes the activities of ovaries in women, improving periods, improves male sex cells and also increases stamina in athletes.

-                  Selenium is present in organ meats, tuna, seafood, brewer’s yeast, mushroom etc. Selenium is necessary for protein synthesis, increases effectiveness of vitamin E, helps against heart disease and reduces free radical damage that causes aging.

-                 Bioflavonoids are compounds present in the white part and pulp of oranges, lemon and grapefruit, its also present in tomatoes and in dark pigmented fruits and vegetables. It is mainly a free radical scavenger and also inhibits certain cataracts.

Other excellent antioxidants include:

-       Garlic

-       Manganese

-       Grape seed extract

-       Ginseng

-       Zinc

-       Copper

-       B-vitamins (folic acid, riboflavin, B₁₂) etc.

It is surprising how many people know the importance of vitamins but still are not consistent in the daily intake of these vitamins except when diseased or sick. Also, taking these vitamins in their natural forms in food is also advisable than taking them as food supplements since the supplements, as the name implies, are meant to supplement diets where the natural sources are not readily available.

Ubong Udotai | 08138818457 | @Youbee_ | udotaimike@yahoo.com