Antioxidants
Antioxidants are natural substances in foods. They may help protect you from disease by preventing the harmful effects of oxygen free radicals on your body. Oxygen free radicals are formed as cells in your body combine with oxygen to make energy. Free radicals also come from smoking or being exposed to things in the environment like radiation or sunlight. As we age, this damage may build up. According to one theory of aging, in time this build-up harms cells, tissues, and organs.
Your body’s own antioxidant defense system stops most free-radical damage, but not all. Antioxidants may prevent cataracts and heart disease, protect against damage from smoking, or boost immunity to illness.
Some antioxidants, such as the enzyme SOD (superoxide dismutase), are only useful when produced in the body. SOD pills have no effect on the body. They are broken up into different substances during digestion. Other antioxidants that come from food include:
$ beta-carotene, present in deep-colored fruits and vegetables,
$ selenium, found in seafood, liver, meat, and grains
$ vitamin C, from citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes, and berries,
and
$ vitamin E, present in wheat germ, nuts, sesame seeds, and canola, olive, and peanut oils.
How much of these anti-oxidants should you use, if at all? The National Academy of
Sciences is a nongovernmental group of experts involved in scientific research. They recommend what vitamins and minerals you need in your diet and how much of each. They say that there is no proof that large doses of anti-oxidants will prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or cataracts. They did set guidelines for the safe use of some of them:
$ Selenium—at least 55 micro-grams (mcg) per day but not more than 400 mcg per day.
$ Vitamin C—at least 75 milli-grams (mg) per day for women and 90 mg for men, although smokers need more. No one should have more than 2,000 mg per day.
$ Vitamin E—at least 15 mg per day from food and not more than 1,000 mg per day.
The Bottom Line
It may be that the basic question is “how can I stay healthy and independent as I grow older?” Right now there are no treatments, drugs, or pills known to slow aging or extend human life. Check with your doctor before buying pills or anything else that promises to do such things or to make a big change in the way you look or feel. These purchases might be unsafe or a waste of money. They might even interfere with other treatments
you are already receiving.
Content Courtesy : www.niapublications.org
^{Note : Information herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.}