Anti-aging nutrients: What does that mean? Anti-aging nutrients are in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Research has found that some of these anti-aging nutrients, as part of an overall healthful diet, have the potential to delay the onset of many age-related diseases. These findings have led to more research on anti-aging nutrients aimed at identifying specific components in these foods. Components such as antioxidants may be responsible for improving and maintaining one's health.
Antioxidants are present in almost all of our foods. They are in our foods as vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polyphenols. These anti-aging nutrients, the antioxidants, can be found in the foods with deep rich colors. The deep red in cherries and tomatoes, the yellow of corn, mango, and saffron, the orange in carrots, and the blue-purple color of blackberries, grapes, and blueberries, are all indicators of the presence of antioxidants. Those anti-aging nutrients which have antioxidant activities are vitamins A, C, and E; β-carotene; the compound lycopene, and the mineral selenium
As more research is done, we gain more and more knowledge of the healthful components of the anti-aging foods. The oxidation that occurs can sometimes produce reactive elements known as free-radicals. The free radicals can cause a condition that is called "oxidative stress" These free radicals damage our cells. The anti-aging antioxidants stabilize free radicals before they can harm our cells and our bodies. Since oxidation is a naturally occurring process, a balance with antioxidants and free radicals must exist to keep our bodies healthy.
Since oxidation is naturally occurring our bodies have a defense against it. However, these defensive processes become less effective as we age. Researchers believe there is a connection, and a strong one, linking the excess (ore left over and un-neutralized) free radicals with many degenerative disease that we associate with age. Diseases such as cancer, macular degeneration, cataracts, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and even immune dysfunction, are considered to be results of free radicals. Anti-aging nutrients are extremely important elements to our diet. We need to make sure we get these anti-aging nutrients in large enough quantities to ensure we get enough to handle the excess free radicals.
Research has found two anti-aging nutrients that engage in antioxidation of free radicals believed to cause an increase in macular pigment density in the eye. It is not known for sure if these anti-aging nutrients can reverse the progression of macular degeneration damage. A growing body of evidence indicates that the anti-aging nutrients from grapes, blueberries, cocoa, and some teas can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and can even reduce some risk of certain types of cancer.
Research continues on the beneficial components of foods containing anti-aging nutrients and antioxidants. It is indicated however that foods which have fiber and vitamins A and C, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products are likely to have important health benefits.
© Copyright by Keith Standifer 2007 Keith Standifer is a business owner and an advocate for healthy diets for all. Read more about some of the high quality nutritional supplements he uses. Visit my Blog at http://here4health.blogspot.com and we can discuss your health interests and find out what is best for you. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Standifer |
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