In addition to the well-established dangers that free radicals pose, there are three more risks that speed up the aging .....
In addition to the well-established dangers that free radicals pose, there are three more risks that speed up the aging process.
1.Inflammation: In most circumstances, inflammation is a normal part of the body's healing process. But when it gets out of hand, it can lead to some of the most common problems associated with aging. In fact just about everything that can go wrong as you age can be linked back to inflammation.
2.Hyperviscosity of blood: This is the least known--and therefore, the most critical aspect of aging. As you get older, your blood starts to thicken, or become more viscous. It travels through your body much slower (sort of like trying to squirt mud through your garden hose). But your cells and organs need fresh supplies of oxygen and nutrients in order to function properly. If your blood's too slow delivering them, your body can suffer the consequences.
3.Breakdown of mitochondrial DNA: Your mitochondria are like your body's cellular power plants. They churn out the energy your cells need and they play an important role in the cell growth. If the DNA of the mitochondria break down prematurely, you're left exhausted and your cells run the risk of dying well before their time.
Some nutrients that are helpful in preventing free radical damage and slowing down aging:
1. Common antioxidants: The commonly known known antioxidants include vitamins A, C, E, alpha lipoic acid and carotenoids.
2. Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in the energy-producing center of the cell known as the mitochondria. CoQ10 is involved in making an important molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP serves as the cell's major energy source and drives a number of biological processes, including muscle contraction and the production of protein. It is a very important nutrient so far as heart health is concerned.
3. Diindolylmethane or DIM: This little known, but tremendously important compound comes from veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. And some recent research shows it safely supports your body's hormone levels, keeping them in healthy ranges.
4. Green tea extract: It is well known for its immune-supporting benefits. But perhaps the most important study to-date on green tea was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association just a few years ago: It showed that this seemingly simple beverage may actually increase life span.
5. Grape seed extract: It is a very powerful antioxidant. The Grape seed extract contains procyanidolic oligomers or more commonly known as PCO. Scientists have studied PCO’s and have summed up that PCO strengthen blood vessels and help to improve the bloods circulation. This anti oxidant is said to be 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and even more powerful than Beta Carotene.
6. Glutathione: It is a major antioxidant highly active in human lungs and many other organ systems and tissues. It is a small protein composed of three amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acid and glyceine It has a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and maintaining the immune system. Higher blood levels of glutathione have been associated with better health in elderly people,
7. Magnesium: It activates 76 percent of the enzymes in the body. Magnesium ensures the strength and firmness of the bones, and it makes the teeth harder. Adequate intake of magnesium counteracts acidity, poor circulation and glandular disorders. It also a vital nutrient that is essential for proper functioning of heart muscles. It also helps the mitochondria, our body's cellular power plants in producing energy.
8. Essential Amino Acids: Amino acids are indispensible when it comes to building a successful anti-aging regime. Some of well know anti-aging amino acids are listed below:
-Arginine
-Leucine
-Cysteine
Besides these nutrients, Vitamin B Complex and Folic acid are also essential for slowing down the aging process and delaying the onset of all the diseases that come with age.
First published Aug 10, 2010 Virashri Rivonkar
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