Written by Vera Coetsee, Health and Nutrition Coach
13 May 2024
Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining cellular health and slowing down the aging process. As we age, our cells undergo oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralise them. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging, as well as the development of chronic diseases. Antioxidants act as scavengers, neutralising free radicals and protecting cells from their harmful effects. By reducing oxidative stress, antioxidants can help prevent cellular damage and delay the aging process. In this way, incorporating antioxidant-rich foods and supplements into our diets can promote healthier aging and support overall cell function.
How does cellular aging impact your health?
Cellular aging can have significant impacts on your health. Aging cells may not be as effective at fighting off infections and diseases, leading to a weakened immune system, and they may not be as efficient at metabolising nutrients and energy, potentially leading to weight gain and other metabolic issues. Aging cells can contribute to chronic inflammation, which is associated with a variety of health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Over time, cellular aging can lead to cellular damage and mutations, increasing the risk of developing cancer and other diseases. Overall, cellular aging can impact many different aspects of your health, making it important to take steps to support healthy cellular function through lifestyle choices such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management.
What are antioxidants and how do they slow down cellular aging?
Antioxidants are substances that can help protect the body cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced in the body as a result of normal metabolic processes and exposure to environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, and cigarette smoke. When too many free radicals accumulate in the body, they can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells, which has been linked to various chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and aging. Some common antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium, which are found in various foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Some examples of antioxidant-rich foods include the following:
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Avocados
- Sweet Potatoes
- Squash
- Blueberries
- Green tea
- Dark chocolate
If you need support with your cellular health, make an appointment at our clinic here.
Sources:
Remacle J, Michiels C, Raes M. The importance of antioxidant enzymes in cellular aging and degeneration. EXS. 1992;62:99-108. doi: 10.1007/978-3-0348-7460-1_11. PMID: 1450609. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1450609/
Fontana L, Partridge L. Promoting health and longevity through diet: from model organisms to humans. Cell. 2015 Mar 26;161(1):106-118. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.02.020. PMID: 25815989; PMCID: PMC4547605. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25815989/