Thousands of chemical reactions occur in our bodies every minute of every day. Without them our bodies would not be able to function properly. Many are the bi-product of breathing in of oxygen and the digestion of chemicals in our food and drink.

Whenever we are exposed to environmental pollution, drink alcohol, smoke, exercise, are exposed to the sun or take certain drugs, our bodies produce molecules called ‘free radicals’. These are unstable molecules that carry a negative electrical charge in the form of a spare electron.

They try to rid themselves of this unwanted molecular ‘baggage’ by colliding with other molecules or they try to steal a positive charge from other molecules to neutralize their spare negative electron. This chemical offloading and stealing is known as oxidation. An excess of these free radicals can start chain reactions that damage cells, proteins, fats and genetic material in our bodies.

This damage has been linked to many health problems and diseases including hardening and furring up of the arteries, coronary heart disease, cataracts, arthritis, cancer and premature aging of the skin.

An antioxidant is a protective substance that helps to neutralize this damaging oxidation. They work by mopping up the negative charges on free radicals before they can trigger a damaging chain reaction. Antioxidants are found in varying amounts in foods such as vegetables, fruits, grain cereals, eggs, meat, legumes and nuts.

Although a normal diet high in antioxidants is good, experts agree that food alone cannot supply the optimum amounts needed to be effective – you would need to eat huge amounts of foods containing antioxidants for them to be effective and some antioxidants can be destroyed by storage and cooking.

Because the amount of antioxidants in any one food type can vary so much, if you are serious about maintaining your health and warding off age-related disease, taking supplements is well worth considering.

There follows a list of known antioxidants you should try to incorporate into your diet. You will find supplements for most of these age-fighters at your local health food shop or drug store.

Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene

Vitamin A is a fat soluble antioxidant that comes in two forms – retinol which is found in animal products like meat and milk, and carotenoids which come from fruits and vegetables. Both these forms are converted into vitamin A in the body.

The importance of vitamin A in skin health comes from its ability to treat severe forms of acne and psoriasis and repair sun damage and wrinkles. In recognition of this ability, the cosmetics industry has not been slow in including retinol in many anti-aging products.

Vitamin A is such a powerful antioxidant that several studies have suggested that dietary intake is important in reducing the risk of many cancers, including skin cancer. Dietary sources of vitamin A include halibut liver oil, liver, margarine, butter, cheese and eggs.

If vitamin A supplements are used, they are best limited to no more than 1500 mcg a day although intakes of up to 3000 mcg are considered safe.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that cannot be produced in the human body and so has to be obtained from food and supplements on a daily basis. It plays an important role in the health and appearance of the skin because it promotes and maintains the production of elastin and collagen. Elastin and collagen fibers form up to seventy percent of the skin’s structure and help to keep it smooth and supple.

Excessive exposure to sunlight produces free radicals that damage the skin’s structure and cause wrinkles, dryness, thickening, dis-coloration and ‘photo-aging’. Vitamin C has been shown to protect against damage caused by UV exposure by neutralizing these free radicals and promoting the production of new collagen.

The best food sources for vitamin C are, acerola cherry juice, camu pulp, rose hip syrup, blackcurrants, guavas, parsley and kale.

A good basic amount of vitamin C per day is 100-250 mg, however, research suggests that a higher intake of between 1000-3000 mg per day is preferable for optimum health. Such a large amount cannot normally be obtained from food alone, therefore a supplement is recommended for best results.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is the collective name for a set of eight related tocopherols and tocotrienols, which are fat-soluble vitamins with antioxidant properties. Vitamin E is a preservative and protects the body’s fats and cell membranes from free radical damage.

As far as skin health is concerned, vitamin E improves skin suppleness and its ability to heal, hence is present in many skin creams, both as a preservative for the cream’s ingredients and for its benefits to the skin.

Dietary sources of vitamin E include, wheatgerm oil, soy bean oil, maize oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil and peanut oil. A normal daily dosage of vitamin E is 10-1000 mg a day. High intakes of more than 3000 mg a day can be toxic.

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace mineral needed for normal cell growth, hormone production and a healthy immune system. An adequate intake of selenium has been show to protect against many diseases such as cancer, arthritis, heart attack, infertility, stroke and emphysema.

In skin health, selenium, like vitamin A and E, has been shown to protect the skin against the damaging effects of UV radiation. A lack of this mineral has also been linked with psoriasis, age spots and wrinkling of the skin.

Good sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, whole grains, mushrooms, onions, garlic and broccoli. Suggested daily intake of Selenium is 100-200 mcg a day.

Riboflavin/Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 plays an important role in the body’s processing of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It also plays a part in the production of hormones and red blood cells as well as helping to keep the skin, hair and eyes healthy. A lack in the diet can lead to a skin rash similar to eczema on the face and nose.

Riboflavin helps to protect the eye lens from attack by free radicals. In a study, subjects taking a B2 supplement nearly halved their risk of developing cataracts than those who did not take them.

Vitamin B2 is a water soluble vitamin that cannot be stored in the body, therefore a regular intake from the diet or supplement is essential for health. Good food sources include yeast extract, whole grains, eggs, dairy products, green leafy vegetables, pulses, wheat bran and soy flour;

Normal daily requirements are 1.6 mg per day but physically active people and those with a specific deficiency problem can take between 200-400 mg daily.

Copper

Although not an antioxidant itself, the presence of copper in the body is vital for the actions of other enzymes and vitamins involved in antioxidant activity. It is essential for the function of enzymes involved in antioxidant protection and helps with vitamin C absorption and the production of collagen, a structural protein that supports the skin and keeps it supple and healthy.

Good dietary sources of copper include, brewer’s yeast, olives, nuts, pulses, cereals, wholemeal bread and dried fruit.

Despite many dietary sources, in general, around 50% of people get less than the recommended 0.8-3 mg recommended daily intake, therefore taking a supplement may be of benefit.

Manganese

Manganese is an antioxidant mineral that, along with vitamin C, is essential for the production of collagen, the substance that supports your skin and keeps is supple and healthy. Deficiency symptoms include scaly skin and poor growth of hair.

Good dietary sources include cereals, wholemeal bread, nuts, pulses, fruit, green leafy vegetables and black tea.

We lose manganese from the body every time we have a bowel motion, therefore a daily intake of up to 5 mg is recommended.

Zinc

An adequate intake of zinc is vital for sexual health in men both in terms of fertility and the health of the prostate gland but when looking particularly at skin health, we find that a lack of zinc in the diet can lead to eczema, psoriasis, acne and poor hair and nail growth.

Good dietary sources of zinc include brewer’s yeast, hard cheese, wholemeal bread, eggs, pulses, wholegrain cereals, rice, green leafy vegetables and potatoes.

As with all the antioxidants mentioned in this book, obtaining enough to be therapeutic (15-30 mg a day) can be difficult from the diet alone and therefore supplementation may be beneficial.

Please note that doses of more than 30 mg daily should not be taken except under medical supervision or the advice of a dietitian.

Green Tea

Green and black tea both come from from the camellia sinesis shrub but green tea contains higher levels of an antioxidant known as a bioflavonoid.

Flavonoids are known to be far stronger antioxidants than either vitamin C or vitamin E and prevent cholesterol from blocking up the arteries.

People who regularly drink green tea have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.

They are also thought to prevent several types of cancer due to the presence of epigallocatechin gallate – a powerful anti-cancer compound.

Of particular interest is green tea’s ability to protect against premature aging, a fact seized by cosmetic manufacturers who now include extracts in a wide variety of skin creams and lotions.

Drinking four cups of green tea daily is recommended but if you dislike the taste, it can also be taken as a supplement.

Co-enzyme Q10

Also known as ubiquinone, co-enzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that works with vitamin E to form an antioxidant that protects against the hardening and furring up of the arteries and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Co-enzyme Q10 is present in all the body’s cells where it is needed to generate energy from food and protects cells from disease and damage.

Cosmetics manufacturers have recognized its protective properties and added Q10 to skin care products to help reduce and prevent premature wrinkles and damage from sunlight.

A good dietary source of Q10 is yeast but for the optimal daily dose of 10-100 mg (300-600 mg for the treatment of specific illnesses) a supplement is recommended.

Pine Bark Extract

This extract comes from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. It contains proanthocyanidins – strong antioxidants that play a role in the stabilization of collagen and maintenance of elastin — proteins in connective tissue that support organs, joints, blood vessels, muscle and skin.

Proanthocyanidins antioxidants are 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more potent than vitamin E and help strengthen all the blood vessels and improve the delivery of oxygen to the cells.

This extract also enhances the effectiveness of these vitamins and co-enzyme Q10 to create a powerful protective cocktail that reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, improves circulation and strengthens blood vessels.

It’s ability to thin the blood and prevent clotting make it a good alternative to aspirin that can be taken prior to any long-haul economy class flight to help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. You can take 50-200 mg a day.

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s Claw is a vine native to South America where indigenous people have used the plant for medicinal purposes for over two thousand years. It gets its name name from hook-like thorns that resemble the claws of a cat. It contains potent antioxidants that protect against damage caused by sun exposure and smoking.

The alkaloids found in this plant have also been shown to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of ailments including Crohn’s disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes, PMS, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV, Alzheimer’s disease, prostate conditions and in the treatment of AIDS in combination with AZT.

Ginkgo

Loss of memory and an increase in the experience of cold hands and feet are often seen as a sign of aging, but your circulation can be kept as healthy and efficient as possible, both through moderate regular exercise, and by taking herbs known to boost blood transmission to the brain, hands, feet and genitals.

Extract of ginkgo biloba contains unique chemicals called gingkolides and bilobalides, that not only offer protection against oxidative cell damage from free radicals, but are also known to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow to the hands and feet.

It also helps blood flow to the genitals, where it acts to strengthen and maintain an erection. In a study, half the participating males with erectile dysfunction enjoyed a return to full potency after six months of taking ginkgo. As well as boosting blood flow to the brain to improve memory, clinical trials have shown.

Ginkgo can also be ineffective in treating other age-related problems such as dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Taking a minimum of 120 mg of ginkgo a day should be enough to notice benefits although these may not be noticeable until ten days to 12 weeks after use.

Bilberry

The bilberry comes from a small shrub found in Europe, Asia and North America. The dark purple fruit is smaller than that of the blueberry but with a fuller taste.

Bilberries contain anthocyanins, tannins and flavonoid glycosides – antioxidants that have been shown to combat many age-related eye disorders such as macular degeneration, cataracts, night blindness and glaucoma.

The antioxidants in bilberry protect light sensitive cells found in the eye and improves blood flow to the retina. Users have reported an improvement in their eyesight after only 15 days of use.

In one study, participants who had cataracts were given a combination of bilberry and Vitamin E. In all but three percent of cases, the deterioration in their eyesight was halted.

If you want to eat the fresh fruit, 20-60 grams a day is recommended, alternatively, 80-160 mg of dry extract up to three times a day can be taken.

Red Grapeseed Extract

Red grape seed extract contains powerful antioxidants called proanthocyanidins that have been shown to treat heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This is because they protect the blood vessels from free radical damage, thin the blood and reduce the hardening and furring up of the arteries.

Because of its positive effect on the circulation, other diseases associated with poor blood flow such as diabetes, impotence, varicose veins, macular degeneration and thread veins can also be improved with this extract.

Grape seed extract may have other possible anti-disease properties, including accelerated wound healing, the reduction of skin cancer tumors and protection from ultra violet light damage to the skin.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is an oil obtained from the olive tree olea europaea, a traditional tree of the Mediterranean area and has been in use by man since 2,500 BCE. Today it is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and soaps. Olive oil contains potent antioxidants not found in other vegetable oils that give extra-virgin unprocessed olive oil its bitter and pungent taste.

Hydroxytyrosol is thought to be the main antioxidant in olives, and plays a significant role in the many health benefits attributed to this oil, including a protective effect against certain malignant tumours in the breast, prostate and digestive tract. Olive oil is considerably rich in a mono-unsaturated fat called oleic acid. Studies suggest that a higher proportion of mono-unsaturated fats in the diet is linked with a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease.

To achieve this possible benefit, olive oil should replace a similar amount of saturated fat found in meat and dairy products and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day. There is a large body of clinical data to show that consumption of olive oil can also have favourable effects on cholesterol regulation because it controls the ‘bad’ levels of LDL cholesterol and raises levels of the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol.

In addition to the internal health benefits of olive oil, extra virgin olive oil has been known for generations, not only for its healing qualities, but also as a natural, deep penetration moisturizer with a reputation for regenerating and softening the skin. Studies on mice showed that the application of olive oil immediately following exposure to UVB rays has a preventive effect on the formation of tumors and skin cancer.

Blueberries

High Antioxidant Value

Blueberries, along with blackberries, strawberries, and plums, have the highest total antioxidant capacity of any food. It is being regarded as one of the “super fruits” having the promising combination of nutrient value, emerging research evidence for health benefits, versatility for manufacturing popular consumer products, and antioxidant strength.

Antioxidants are thought to aid in guarding the body against the detrimental effects of free radicals to cells and the chronic diseases associated with the course of aging. The antioxidants present in this fruit can protect the cell, so there is less chance for aging. Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E per 1 cup of blueberries. Blueberries also contain anthocyanins and phenolics that can also act as antioxidants. With this, the effects of blueberries to the skin are copious.

Neuron Protection

The compound anthocyanin, found in blueberries, is thought to slow down age-related loss in the mental capacity of humans. Those who eat more blueberries are thought to have better functioning in motor behavioral learning and memory. Anthocyanin also gives blueberries their colour and might be the key factor of the blueberry’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While it is thought that aging can decrease cognitive and motor functions, blueberries can be of huge help to improve mental functioning.

Better Balance and Coordination

Blueberries also have positive effects to balance and coordination. In a study by Dr. James Joseph of Tufts University, it was found that a diet loaded with blueberries counteracted poor balance and coordination associated with aging. In this study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, Joseph fed four groups of rats a normal diet. But among these groups were given blueberries, spinach, or strawberries.

For 18 weeks, the rats were tested for mental functioning, muscle strength, coordination, and balance. The two groups which were fed with strawberry and blueberry extracts performed well on these tests, but the group fed with blueberries executed the most improvement.

Not only that, findings also showed that blueberries improved the neuronal functioning of the rats. Dr. Joseph suspects the findings are a result of blueberries’ rich store of flavonoids — phytochemicals that have an effect on cell membranes. These findings suggest that nutritional intervention can offer hope to those suffering poor balance and coordination related to aging.

Prevention of Disease

A serving of blueberries provides a relatively low glycemic load while providing a diverse range of nutrients, which also means there are fewer calories (good news for calorie-watchers) in a serving full of phytochemicals and nutrients such as iron, vitamins C and E. Because of the phytochemicals present, the risk of acquiring some deadly diseases may also be prevented.

Anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and tannins found in this wonderful fruit may help prevent cancer by inhibiting some cancer mechanisms. These components protect the DNA from damage and disintegration caused by free radicals.

At a symposium on berry health benefits, there have been reports that eating blueberries and other similar fruits like cranberries may improve the cognitive deterioration occurring in Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions of aging. Blueberries may help lower the damages of stroke.

Researches have also shown that blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTI), hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia that can also lead to potentially fatal heart disease.

With blueberries, your tongue, and more importantly your health would get the best out of it. Well, even without all these benefits in mind, who wouldn’t die for a serving of blueberries?

ALA, or Alpha Lipoic Acid

The ALA, or alpha lipoic acid is a great antioxidant supplement you can take along with other antioxidants such as the vitamins C, E, plus the co-enzyme Q10. The ALA is an important component of your daily supplements as it not only serves as antioxidants in itself but forces other taken antioxidants to be recycled, thus better absorption of these substances.

Other benefits of taking ALA are associated with heart disease and obesity. It is known to improve insulin resistance as well as act as anti-inflammatory agent. 

There are more benefits. ALA helps detoxify metals accumulated by the body as well as boosts the rate of removal of the glucose from your bloodstream. And the main reason why it is an excellent anti-aging treatment for you, it helps stop the occurrence where the fibers are interlinked with each other, a known cause to lead aging and wrinkle formation.

While the body is capable of producing ALA, it is in very small amounts that only the cells are able to use it for the cellular energy production. The ALA serves the benefits as antioxidants only if being supplied into the body with more amount than those produced by the body for the cells. Unfortunately, production of ALA also declines just like the collagen and the elastin.

An ALA supplement is therefore important unless you are pregnant or undergoing breast feeding. It is suggested that a minimum of 50 up to 100mg of the antioxidant is enough to meet the dosage needs. Unlike the other antioxidants, the ALA is both water and fat soluble, which means it can be absorbed by all your body parts.

Goji Juice

The Tibetan Goji berry and its juice contain 4 very unique Polysaccharides which are known to be Anti-aging. Besides being loaded with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants it is these 4 unique Polysaccharides found in no other plant on Earth that give Goji its anti-aging ability.

The longest living people on earth consumed Goji in soups, drinks and berries everyday of their lives and they live well over 100 years old and not in a debilitating way but active and vital lives. They also dined on fresh vegetables, fruits and consumed a minimal amount of animal fats.
These people had no processed refined chemical foods or fast foods in their diets, living in some of the harshest and remote areas on earth.

The goji berry has been used in traditional Tibetan medicine for centuries! The plants grow like bushes with vines that reach over 15 feet. The berries are never touched by hand as they will oxidize and turn black if touched while fresh. They are shaken onto mats, then dried in the shade.

Goji berry juice can be used in smoothies or juice cocktails. The Goji fruit contains polysaccharides, which have been demonstrated to strongly fortify the immune system. This same polysaccharide has been found to be a secretagogue, that is, a substance that stimulates the secretion in the pituitary gland of human growth hormone (HGH), a powerful innate anti-aging hormone.

It is the richest source of carotenoids, including beta carotene (more beta carotene than carrots), of all known foods or plants on earth! Goji is a powerful antioxidant and is traditionally believed to fortify the body against disease and to provide the energy to overcome difficult obstacles in healing. Beta-carotene can be transformed into vitamin A under the influence of human liver enzymes. Being rich in trace minerals, Goji Juice contains significant amounts of zinc, calcium, germanium, selenium and phosphorus, plus small quantities of many others.

The Goji berry is among the most revered of sexual tonic herbs in Asian Herbalist Forums and has been recognized to increase sexual fluids and enhance fertility. In Mongolia it is commonly used by first trimester mothers to prevent morning sickness. It is a gentle and soothing fruit that is loaded with available vitality.

In several study groups with elderly people Goji was given once a day for 3 weeks, with many beneficial results being experienced. 67% of the patients ‘ T cell transformation functions tripled and the activity of the patients’ white cell interleukin-2 doubled. In addition, the results revealed that all the patients’ spirit and optimism increased significantly, appetite improved in 95% of the patients, 95% of the patients slept better and 35% of the patients partially recovered their sexual function. The Goji berry has absolutely no toxicity.

However like most fruits, it should not be used if you are suffering from Spleen deficiency with dampness and diarrhea. Goji is now being used in clinical settings for a number of common maladies including the treatment of consumptive disease accompanied by thirst such as early-onset diabetes and tuberculosis, dizziness, blurred vision, and chronic cough.

In the treatment of diabetes. 8-10 grams of fruit was steamed and eaten each time, three times daily (steaming softens the fruits). The daily dosage range of 8-30 grams is typical of medical applications being done at this time in several countries. The berry has also been used in a number of recent clinical trials for treatment of bone marrow deficiency conditions (low production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).

The Mongolian Institute of Traditional Medicine reported that Goji has been used in the treatment of atrophic gastritis, weakened digestion due to reduced stomach activity.

Patients consumed 10 grams of the whole fruits each time, three times daily before meals for two months and longer with excellent results. Goji Juice contains 8 kinds of amino acids (six times higher than bee pollen), of which 8 are indispensable amino acids for the human body (such as isoleucine and tryptophan). 50% of the each Goji berry’s amino acids are free amino acids.

Goji Juice contain 21 trace minerals, (of which the main ones are zinc, iron and copper) and 500 times the amount of vitamin C by weight than oranges.

Goji Juice is loaded with vitamin B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E. Mature fruits contain about 11 mg. of iron per 100 grams, as well as glucose, fructose, vitamin C, beta-sitosterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine (0.1%).

Yerba Mate

Many think of Yerba Mate as a tea beverage. While the chemical components are quite similar to green tea, it is in fact far more nutritious, because scientific study has shown it to contain nearly all of the necessary life-sustaining vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It has been found to be loaded with an even richer and more potent array of antioxidants than green tea.

Yerba Mate, a popular South American beverage, is brewed from the dried leaves and stemlets of the small evergreen Yerba Mate tree found in the highlands of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Tea comes from a different plant altogether. So while Yerba Mate is similar in chemical structure to tea, it is a completely different beverage altogether.

The Guarani Indians of Paraguay and Uruguay have long been drinking this beverage, and introduced it into modern civilization. It is now consumed by millions of South Americans every day, as a healthy and beneficial energizing coffee alternative.

Yerba Mate contains 52 more known active chemical compounds than green tea. It is loaded with potent phytochemical antioxidants, and in far greater quantities than in green tea. Like green tea, it has anti-cancer and anti-aging benefits, again, in higher quantities.

This amazing plant has an incredibly rich nutritional profile. It provides: Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin, B5, B Complex, Calcium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Carotene, Fatty Acids, Chlorophyll, Flavonols, Polyphenols, Inositol, Trace Minerals, Antioxidants, Tannins, Pantothenic Acid and even Amino Acids. Scientists are saying it is quite likely that it contains more powerful nutrients that are yet unknown and undiscovered.

There are so many incredible benefits attributed to Yerba Mate, both from scientific studies and centuries of observation. Some of these benefits include:

• Anti-aging;
• Boosts immunity;
• Increases mental clarity;
• Helps with digestive problems;
• Improvement in general well-being, mood, and sleep;
• Helps to lose weight;
• Cleanses and detoxifies the blood;
• Increases supply of oxygen to the heart;
• Supplies many nutrients needed by the heart for growth and repair;
• Reduces stress;
• Reduces the effect of debilitating disease;
• Allergy relief;
• Firmer and smoother skin tone.

Those with digestive problems such as constipation and hemorrhoids have found these to be relieved and easily overcome over a short period of daily use. Some people who require antacids have reported they no longer need to use them after a short time of using Yerba Mate.

People with heart problems have reported clogged arteries clearing up in even just 3 weeks of using Yerba Mate – their doctors have ordered them to stop taking their pills for circulation and clogged arteries.

It has even been used as a food substitute due to its rich nutritional profile. It will eliminate feelings of hunger and give the sensation of having had a full meal. While this is important for those experiencing conditions of famine, it is also helpful for people desiring to lose weight.

There are far too many benefits to go into detail in the space of this article. This is a very powerful healing plant. Because of its vast amount of health benefits for the whole body, Yerba Mate is truly a tonic for wellness.

In addition, essential vitamins and nutrients are best absorbed by the body when taken in their live, natural state. This is why it is far more efficient to use a liquid nutrient like Yerba Mate instead of a multivitamin supplement.

Yerba Mate is one of the most excellent nutrients available in the world today, and should be given the attention of all who are interested in excellent health, anti-aging, wellness, and healing.

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