Oxidative stress and Aging

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND AGING

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND AGING

Oxidative stress plays a huge role in the aging process. It is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants of the body. Free radicals are highly unstable molecule which are produced either from cell metabolism inside the body or from external sources like processed food, sugar, fast food, fried food, radiation, environmental toxicity, household chemicals, cigarette smoking, medications, lack of sleep, alcohol consumption. The effects of oxidative stress can be very detrimental to our health. It can damage cells, tissues and DNA and leads to aging, degenerative diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative disorders and chronic inflammation.

Body naturally produces antioxidants internally to counteract these free radicals and we also provide antioxidants externally through fruits, vegetables and supplements. When there is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants inside our body it leads to oxidation and thereby damages our cells. As we age our body produces less antioxidants than before, it depends more on external sources for this, so it is utmost important that as we age we should eat more antioxidant rich foods and improve our lifestyle factors to expose less free radicals to our body which is already struggling to maintain the balance between them.

Antioxidant rich foods that neutralizes the free radicals are vitamin A, C, E, selenium and certain polyphenols and phytonutrients, few examples are

Blueberries

Strawberries

Raspberries

Goji berries

Cherries

red and green grapes

Nuts walnuts, brazil nuts, pecans

Red and black beans

Beets

Kale

Spinach, all dark green leafy vegetables

Dark chocolate

Granny smith apples