There are many nutritional supplements that can help promote longevity. Some encourage anti-aging by reducing the risk of chronic diseases, while others may actually genetically code our cells for longer, healthier lives. Some of the best life extension nutrients, according to the Life Extension Foundation, are resveratrol, quercetin, CoQ10, omega-3, and DHEA. For more information on nutrients for life extension, visit www.lef.org.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a polyphenol antioxidant found in wine grapes, chocolate, berries, and peanuts. Besides fighting off heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, resveratrol may also have many anti-aging benefits. Resvertrol has been shown to activate genes that code for longevity in many animals. It mimics the effects of caloric restriction in cells. Red wine is a good source of resveratrol, but supplements are available, which are hundreds of times more concentrated.
Quercetin
Quercetin is also found in red wine, as well as in onions, grapefruit, tea, green vegetables, and beans. Besides its anti-aging benefits, which are similar to resveratrol, quercetin may be a potent ant-inflammatory, immune-enhancer, weight loss aid, and energy supplement. Quercetin also helps to avoid cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes, according to the Life Extension Foundation.
Turmeric
Turmeric, which contains curcumin, is known to have beneficial effects on nearly every organ in the body, according to the Life Extension Foundation. Curcumin has many beneficial properties as an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In addition, it may help to prevent cancer and heart disease, as well as neuro-degenerative illness, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Omega-3
Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid that comes from fish oils. Made up of the chemicals EPA and DHA, omega-3 has health benefits for the skin, brain, joints, and heart. Those who do not regularly eat fatty fish are probably not getting enough omega-3. Other health benefits include healthy blood sugar, decreased risk of heart disease, decreased inflammation, and decreased skin damage from UV rays. Omega-3 is also proving to be a potent anti-cancer nutrient, according to the Life Extension Foundation.
CoQ10
Co-enzyme Q10 is also known as ubiquinone because it is found in every cell of our bodies. In fact, CoQ10 is essential for energy metabolism. The cells of the heart are truly impressive energy factories because they must continue working at a very high volume to keep our hearts beating every second of every day. It is no surprise then, that CoQ10 has many heart benefits. However, it is also a very powerful antioxidant, fighting free radical damage to our cells. In addition, CoQ10 may help prevent cancer, improve blood sugar, enhance the immune system, and contribute to maintaining proper oral health.
DHEA
DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. Low levels of this hormone have been connected to heart disease, diabetes, inflammation, Alzheimer's, and others. DHEA can convert to testosterone or estrogen as needed within the body. Healthy levels of these sex hormones promote youthful energy and stamina levels. We produce lower amounts of DHEA as we age. Restoring youthful levels of DHEA can promte anti-aging and prevent many diseases associated with old age.
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