What would happen if someone hit upon a magic potion, an instant way to a youthful you? One gulp and there you would be – your wrinkles gone, energy bursting from each and every pore radiating a youthful glow! Research shows that while we cannot stop the aging process, we can definitely control the rate at which we age. Aging occurs when our cells are permanently damaged by continuous attacks triggered by chemical particles and free radicals. These are free oxygen radicals with unpaired electrons. They are highly unstable and reactive, and have the potential to cause severe damage to cell structure. This damage accumulates over a period of time and manifest in the form of old age.
But where do these free radicals come from? Free radicals are formed through metabolic processes like digestion and respiration, when the body is eliminating toxins or fighting diseases. In addition external factors like air pollution, radiation (exposure to sunlight), cigarette smoke, insecticides, herbicides and unhealthy eating habits also generate free radicals within the body.
When you peel a banana and leave it out in the open, it turns black. In scientific terms, it has oxidized or aged. Similarly, the human body is constantly being bombarded by life erasing free radicals which make is age. The only way to slow down the process and stabilize free radicals is to neutralize them with the help of antioxidants, i. e. compounds that can give up one of their electrons without becoming unstable themselves. By consuming antioxidant rich food we can neutralize ninety nine per cent of free radical damage. In this way, we can return the free radicals to their normal state and curb their destructive activities. These antioxidants are all around us in the form of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. The three basic antioxidants are Vitamin C, E and Beta-Carotene.
Vitamin C
Recognized as one of the most powerful antioxidants, it enhances the benefits of most other antioxidants. A regular intake of about 500mg of vitamin C is one of the most economic ways to healthier living. It keeps diseases at bay, boosts immunity, strengthens the blood vessels and promotes the formation of white blood cells which are the soldiers of our body.
Beta-carotene
Did you know that a single large glass of carrot juice a day can give us more than 15,000 IU of Beta-carotene! The body uses beta-carotene to make vitamin A which helps boost the immune system, improves the rate of wound healing, improves skin quality, prevents dryness of skin, prevents hair loss and reduces the risk of cancer.
Vitamin E
It protects the blood vessels, dissolves blood clots, thins the blood and prevents strokes. It prevents oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL). It protects the lungs against pollution and is a powerful wound healer. It is known to prevent the growth of breast tumours, thus reducing the risk of cancer. A dosage of 100 IU to 400 IU a day is recommended in order to get protection against heart diseases. As vitamin E is fat-soluble, it is concentrated in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains and wheatgerm. It is virtually impossible to get 400 IU just by way of food. To obtain that from food you will have to eat at least six cups of almonds, or six pounds of wheatgerm, or twenty-five cups of peanuts! Therefore, it is advisable to take it in the form of supplements, which are available as alpha tocopherol.
Caution: People taking blood-thinning medication, should avoid taking vitamin E supplements.
Tips for anti aging treatment
Eat at least 4-5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Make sure you eat different types of fruits and vegetables as each one has a unique set of antioxidants
A glass of vegetable juice a day can keep the aging devil away! Raw vegetable juice is full of both known and unknown antioxidants
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables rather than canned ones as canning destroys a number of antioxidants
Go for deep colured fruits and vegetables. They have more antioxidant punch than the light colored ones
Switch over to olive oil for cooking and use virgin olive oil to make salad dressing
Say no to oily stuff and consume less oil, not more than two or three teaspoon per day. Excessive fat intake increases free radical activity
Never use hydrogenated oils like margarine, as it increases the risk of heart disease. Hydrogenated oils also produce more free radicals in the body which pre pone the aging process
Reduce the intake of animal fat as it is saturated and causes free radical damage. These types of fats include cheese, whole milk, ghee, red meat, beef, veal, skin of chicken etc. Reduce intake of red meat like pork, beef etc. /eat white meat like chicken, turkey and fish. Do not eat the skin of chicken
Add years to your life by eating more fish. It contains Omega – 3 fatty acids, which are heart friendly. But remember, deep frying the fish negates its anti-aging properties. So steam the fish, poach it or prepare a curry. Fish oil are known to contain antioxidants and they also unclogs the arteries
If you are a vegetarian, you can get the benefit of Omega – 3 fatty acids in certain plants foods like wheatgerm oil, walnut oil, almond oil, flaxseed oil and oil extracted from soyabeans
Switch over to green tea as it s packed with antioxidants that will slow down your aging process
Ban sugar and refined flour from your kitchen. It will help you in live longer
Take vitamin E supplements as it prevent oxidation
Eat more garlic. Studies indicate that eating raw garlic blocks the oxidation of fat present in meats
Eat in moderation. Eating and drinking in excess is harmful
Maintain a positive outlook. Do what really makes you happy because it contributes to inner peace and longevity
Keep in touch with your family and friends. Being loved and having a sense of belonging works as a shock absorber
 
While youthfulness is not a thing forever, premature aging should not be quietly accepted either.

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