Medical and research teams are studying the aging process and trying to find a preventive or treatment for the aging process. Antioxidant therapy is in the forefront of many of the research projects. Antioxidants have been shown to have the ability to slow the aging process, as well as help to prevent many diseases that are associated with aging. An understanding of the free radical theory is necessary for anyone that wants to start any type of anti-aging treatment with antioxidants.



In simple terms, free radicals are molecules created during the normal process of metabolism that are considered unstable because they are missing an electron in their outer shells. These free radical molecules seem to attach most readily to electrons in fat molecules. As we get older the human body produces more and more of these free radicals and these molecules can damage the cells around them by stealing an electron from the surrounding cells leaving them vulnerable to diseases commonly associated with the aging process.

Since over 40 percent of the total calories in the typical American diet is derived from fat it not difficult to see how we might be exposed to extensive damaging free radical activity. Antioxidants are able to stabilize these free radicals by pairing up or binding with the free radicals thus inhibiting them from damaging the adjacent cells.

Anti aging vitamins that have antioxidant properties actually include several different kinds of vitamins. Some of the more common antioxidants include Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Selenium, Beta Carotene, Lycopene, L-Glutathione, Vitamin D, and Green Tea. The vitamins A, D, E, and K are all fat-soluble vitamins and are stored the liver and in the fat cells of the human body so an overdose is possible. These vitamins are extremely important in anti aging therapy but you must not take more than the recommended doses. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body so the chance of an overdose is highly unlikely.

Many antioxidants can be found in many of the foods we consume every day. Some of these foods include berries, apples, many different types of vegetables, fish, red meats, chicken and eggs are all sources of varying types of antioxidants. Following a good diet that has many different types of nutritional food may be the best way to ensure you get all of the antioxidants needed for a healthy lifestyle.

Vitamin A is an important immune system stimulant. Vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of cancers of the lung, larynx, bladder, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and prostate. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels.

Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.

Vitamin E is also clinically proven as an effective antioxidant. It helps in supplying oxygen to the heart and other muscles of the body and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

The mineral Selenium has been associated with a significant reduction in the incidences of lung, colorectal and prostate cancer. Good sources are fish, asparagus, brazil nuts, meat, poultry and bread.

Beta Carotene helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency. Symptoms of Beta Carotene deficiency include ache, dry dull hair, dry skin and thickened scaly skin on the palms and soles of the feet.

Blueberries and Blackberries contain a large quantity of antioxidants, which may help reduce the effect age related memory problems. They contain a chemical called anthocyanins which are very powerful antioxidants.

Lycopene is very powerful in quenching free radicals as is L-gultathione. Ultra Antioxidant allows cells to perform more efficiently with less oxygen, enabling sufficient oxygen to be utilized for the cells and organs that specifically need it.

Vitamin D is manufactured in the skin following direct exposure to sunlight. Many studies show that Vitamin D production decreases in older people and in those who are housebound. Vitamin D is needed by the body to absorb calcium, which makes your bones stronger and helps prevent factures.

Green tea extract contains natural antioxidant compounds know as polyphenols useful in fighting tumors as well as helping prevent and treat rheumatoid arthritis.

If you just feel that you need vitamins, supplements or herbs to fight the aging process then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.