Many people have been wondering if taking antioxidant-rich sources such as acai berry supplements can help slow down the signs of aging. Well, there are lots of debates around this topic, but if we take a closer look at the function of antioxidants in the body, we’ll get a clear picture of how it relates to the aging process.
In this article, we shall be as concise and clear as possible. So be sure to follow through till the end.
What Causes Aging?
Even though research is still trying to understand the full process and cause of aging, two main factors are often implicated – free radicals and inflammation.
Free radicals are usually oxygen molecules that have lost an electron. Oxygen plays a main role in respiratory processes of the cell. And during these metabolic activities, intermediate products known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced, and these include peroxides (O2=), superoxides (O2-), and hydroxyl ions (OH–).
As the ROS are produced, the body uses its natural defense mechanism in the form of antioxidants to detoxify it. The antioxidants also protect against the formation of these reactive oxygen species.
However, some factors, including the following, enhance the production of ROS:
· Physical and emotional stress
· Environmental pollution and toxins
· Acute or chronic alcoholism
· Smoking
· Consumption of polyunsaturated fats
When these factors influence ROS production, most times, the body becomes unable to keep up with antioxidants production, and the repair of damaged cells is disturbed. This imbalance between ROS production and ROS removal often leads to what is called, “Oxidative Stress.”
Can Antioxidants Slow Down Aging Process
Now, according to many studies, and the free radical theory by Denham Harman – a bio-gerontologist – the accumulation of oxidative stress is mainly responsible for aging, and antioxidants help to slow down aging process and prevent the formation of free radicals because of oxidative stress.
Hence, taking good sources of antioxidants, such as Acai berries, is a good way to detoxify and slow down the signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and more.
You can learn about the full benefits of acai berries and see how you can stay youthful for longer while taking acai berry supplements.
More on the Action of Antioxidants?
To understand the action of antioxidants better, we can say they are like the Police – molecules that help “arrest” the thieves (free radicals) and bind to them while remaining stable.
So the thieves are sent to jail and the crime spree ends. So the result is less inflammation, which means less damage to your body and lesser signs of aging.
How do you load up on these antioxidants? Research has proven that certain foods are rich in antioxidants, and adding these foods to your diet helps prevent the accumulation of free radicals in your body. This leads to better health and less age-related diseases.
Antioxidant-rich Foods that Help Slow Down Aging Process
Here are some foods you can add to your diet routine to load up on antioxidants and slow down your aging process:
Acai berries – This fruit contains a high amount of antioxidants that helps hinder the action of free radicals, thereby, slowing down the aging process.
Fatty fish – Fatty fish contains essential fatty acids which are linked to a strong skin barrier and help decrease inflammation. It is also rich in antioxidants, such as astaxanthin, and selenium, which helps prevent skin damage from UV light.
Vegetables – Vegetables are high in antioxidants and carotenoids, which protects against the sun’s UV rays. Vegetables such as tomatoes, leafy greens, and broccoli are rich in vitamin C, which supports collagen production.
Other antioxidant-rich foods include flax seeds, dark chocolate or cocoa, green tea, extra virgin olive oil, avocadoes, and pomegranates.
Along with eating antioxidant-rich foods, it is also important that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking, stay active, wear protective sunscreens, and drink plenty of water, and use safe skincare products. All these factors all support in slowing down the aging process.