05/05/2019
Antioxidants and Anti-Aging
Science has been studying the effects of antioxidants and free radicals on the aging process since 1957, and the results are promising! Research has concentrated on the idea that free radicals are responsible for age-related damage at both the cellular and tissue levels. It is believed that the creation of too many free radicals in our systems can overwhelm our natural antioxidant defenses and lead to oxidation and impaired cellular functions. What are free radicals? They are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons that can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. They are highly reactive and can cause serious damage when they react with different cellular components such as DNA, or cell membrane leading cells to function poorly or die. Free radicals are all around us and are especially plentiful in pollution, chemicals, pesticides, alcohol, and unhealthy food. Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals in your body. Fortunately, we have natural antioxidant defenses to protect our bodies from free radicals, however, our immune system loses power as we age. The reason for that is partly explained in a new study published in Cell Reports from The Scripps Research Institute' The study focused on the thymus -- the primary lymphoid organ of the immune system.The thymus is responsible for the production of T lymphocytes, -- the white blood cells that control the body's immune response -- which enables the body to respond to new infections. However, the thymus begins to atrophy in early adulthood and loses its ability to replenish our bodies with the T lymphocytes weakening our immune systems. This research has good news, though! The researchers found that by giving study animals two dietary antioxidants, including vitamin C, the size of the thymus was preserved, supporting other studies that have shown us that antioxidants help to keep your cells healthy and youthful! More research is necessary, but this is an astounding find and could be helpful for maintaining our immune system and long-term health throughout our lives! Dietary antioxidants are a strong and powerful tool for life-long health! Look for good sources of vitamin a, vitamin c, vitamin c, beta carotene, selenium and zinc. The U.S. Department of Agriculture listed the top 20 common food sources for antioxidants.- Small Red Bean (dried)
- Wild blueberry
- Red kidney bean (dried)
- Pinto bean
- Blueberry (cultivated)
- Cranberry
- Artichoke (cooked)
- Blackberry
- Prune
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
- Red Delicious apple
- Granny Smith apple
- Pecan
- Sweet cherry
- Black plum
- Russet potato (cooked)
- Black bean (dried)
- Plum
- Gala apple
