Free radicals and aging

Cellular aging consists in the damage of the DNA cells which involves alterations to our organs and tissues to the point of the onset of some medical conditions.

One cause of aging is the oxidative stress, meaning the overproduction of free radicals. These molecules are a waste created mostly by the energy production but can also develop from other causes such as sun exposure, pollution, smoke and so on.

An high level of free radicals cause damage to the cells, and it might give birth to the following reactions:

• Speed up process of cellular aging
• Create a favorite environment for the arteriosclerosis process
• Weaken the immune system

The antioxiditant system

The free radicals are controlled by the antioxidant system made of enzyme already living in our body and substances like vitamins, polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids found in both vegetables foods and animal foods.

A healthy diet, physical activity, and a correct lifestyle all have an essential role to slow down the aging process and reduce the disease associated with it. It is important to start at a very young age and that's why we want to sensitize even the youngest towards the importance of prevention.

The first thing to do to counter act the consequences the natural aging cycle is to change your habits at your dinner table.

Helpful suggestions

• first of all, it is important to eat three meals a day and to stand by their time frame;
• have a balanced diet among the following three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids;
• eat vegetables and fruits, rich in vitamins and minerals
• use extra virgin olive oil to flavor your foods, it has highly antioxidant properties;
• drink lots of water during the day to keep our cells hydrated;
• use lots of spices: thanks to their antibiotic, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties, they are powerful antioxidant. They are also important to flavor your foods as substitute of salt and glutamate that have the opposite properties instead;
• avoid the consumption of sugary drinks and super alcoholic drinks.

In conclusion, help slowing down the aging process and increase longevity through your nutrition; drink lots of water, eat natural food, and keep your menus as various as possible to ensure the assumption of all the necessary nutrients to your body, and remember, one hour walk a day is beneficial to your shape but also to kick away the daily stress.