Anti-Aging Vitamins and Supplements

Anti aging vitamins are those vitamins that act as antioxidants in the human body. Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin C, lutein, lycopene, vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10, and cysteine can be very effective antioxidants. But what are antioxidants?
The word "Antioxidant" pertains to a set of organic substances. These include vitamins C and E, vitamin A, selenium (a mineral), and a group known as Carotenoids. Beta-carotene being the most popular and well known of the Carotenoid. Carotenoids are the pigment compounds that make many fruits and vegetables have their vibrant colors. Antioxidants are known to be very efficient in aiding to prevent illnesses like

1. cancer,
2. heart disease,
3. stroke and
4. a variety of other ailments associated with natural aging.

The prevention of ailments by antioxidants is carried out by destroying free harmful radicals inside the human body. These so called free radicals can harm cell wall, genetic materials inside cells and other structures if left unattended to. With time such harm by these free radicals can lead to disease. So by using antioxidants to destroy these radicals the natural process of aging is slowed.
Some researches have indicated that among smokers with carotenoids high in their diets run a lower risk of developing lung cancer unlike those smokers whose diets are low in carotenoids. But, another study shows that some beta-carotene takers, who are primarily smokers, in fact had a higher death rate.
On the other hand, suggestion have been made due to additional research that diets high in carotenoids can aid in lowering the risk of breast cancer. Vitamin C an antioxidant and anti aging vitamin has been shown to check the formation of N-nitroso compounds (these are cancer-causing substances from nitrates found in some foods).

There have been claims from many specialist on the issue that these group of people;

1. the elderly. In particular those with reduced food intake.
2. heavy drinkers
3. freguent aspirin takers
4. smokers
5. and persons with immune problems

These groups of people can derive some benefits from taking daily antioxidant supplements. Also it is entirely possible that daily intake of these antioxidants may result in high level of antioxidants in the body which may help in preventing very serious diseases thereby help in anti aging.
Some antioxidant enzymes are produced by the human body. Some of these are;
1. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
2. Glutathione Peroxidase and
3. Catalase.

These antioxidants help to destroy many kinds of free radicals. Supplements of these enzymes are available for oral administration. Taking of these supplements may not be of much help. This is so, because the human body only absorbs very small part of these supplements. However, the taking of minerals that could help the body to produce these enzymes may be more effective. Some of these minerals are managanese, zinc and copper for SOD and selenium for glutathione peroxidase.

Apart from SOD, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, many vitamins and minerals are effective antioxidants in their own right, such as;

1. vitamin E,
2. vitamin C,
3. lutein,
4. lycopene,
5. vitamin B2,
6. coenzyme Q10,
7. and cysteine (an amino acid).

Other sources that contain powerful antioxidants are Herbs. Such as;

1. grape seed,
2. bilberry,
3. turmeric (curcumin),
4. ginkgo,
5. milk thistle and
6. green tea.

According to many experts, the best way to provide the body with the most complete protection against free radicals is to consume a large variety of antioxidants.

The articles on this website should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition. Always seek professional medical advice.