The aging process has pros and cons. You may gain wisdom, experience and value each day as a gift. Your body also begins aging and may no longer live at optimal functioning. Carmia Borek, Ph.D., Professor at Tufts University in Boston, Department of Health and Medicine, states "Over the past three decades there has been an increasing amount of evidence linking vitamins and minerals to having a notable effect in protecting the human body from aging."
Antioxidants
Health benefits of antioxidants make medical news frequently. The role of antioxidants is to decrease the level of free radicals, which cause oxidizing damage, accumulating in the cells of your body. Just as oxygen causes rust on iron or the browning of a cut apple, free radicals cause corrosion inside your body in the form of damaged cells, which may promote disease and deterioration. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, keeping your body healthier and younger.
Antioxidant Vitamins
According to the Antioxidant Guide, vitamins C, E, A and B2 are rich in antioxidant properties.
Vitamin C protects against LDL cholesterol, heart disease, "sticky" blood platelets and stiffening arteries. The Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA, for vitamin C is 75 mg per day for women and 90 mg for men.
Vitamin E promotes blood cell regulation, connective tissue growth and normal cell division. A body low in vitamin E is at risk for rheumatoid arthritis, severe depression and preeclampsia or toxemia of pregnancy. Vitamin E also increases immunity and can protect cells from cancer. The RDA for vitamin E is 15 to 22 international units, or IU, per day, although safe levels can be as high as 400 to 800 IU.
Vitamin B2 helps metabolize amino acids and synthesizes vitamin B6 and folic acid. Since the B vitamins are dependent on each other, most supplements are labeled as B-complex. The Vitamin B-complex also guards your body against the harmful and aging effects of stress.
Antioxidant Minerals
The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, lists the trace mineral, selenium, as a powerful antioxidant. Selenium aids thyroid and immune system functions. NIH reports that death from lung, colorectal and prostate cancers are lower among people with increased selenium intake.
Zinc has a powerful influence on your immune system and wound healing, and helps in maintaining good eyesight, according to The Texas Heart Institute. All enzyme activity is dependent on proper zinc levels.
Copper's job is to help in formation of red blood cells and blood vessels, proper nerve conduction, healthy immune systems and bones. A lack of copper leads to aging conditions, such as anemia and osteoporosis. Too much copper can be poisonous. The Food and Nutrition Board recommends 900 mcg per day for adults over the age of 19.
Manganese is both an essential nutrient and a potential toxin. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University shows that manganese-effecting enzymes have roles in metabolizing carbohydrates, amino acids and cholesterol. Manganese also protects the brain, lungs and bones, and aids in the anti-aging role of collagen, vital to youthful skin.
Other Supplements
Antioxidants help to prevent cancer, heart disease, stroke and general aging processes in your body. Other antioxidant supplements recommended by the Antioxidant Guide include beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, coenzyme Q10 and cysteine.
Antioxidant Carotenoids
The carotenoids are pigments responsible for the orange, green, red and yellow colors found in fruits and vegetables and are found in supplements of beta carotene. Beta carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A and supports immunity, which fights off the effects of aging. The RDA is 15 mg per day. Taking too much vitamin A can be toxic, so use only as directed.
Another carotenoid is lutein, which protects you against ultraviolet rays. Lutein is the primary carotenoid in the retina of the eye and helps prevent macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older adults.
Lycopene is also in the carotenoid family as red pigment, which can be found in tomatoes. The antioxidants in lycopene protect against prostate cancer and heart disease. They also boost immunity, keeping you younger, longer.
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