Antioxidants: Reversing Aging
In 1964, I read an article in Life magazine on reversing aging. The article explained how the antioxidant vitamins E and C, and the mineral Selenium when present in adequate amounts in the body, neutralize free radicals created when cells split into two. Without the antioxidants, the free radicals kill off more cells than are produced thereby causing degeneration or aging. With the antioxidants, cell reproduction occurs without any loss of cells resulting in regeneration.
What I understood the article to be saying at the time, is that the health implications of taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals are huge. If you want your body to regenerate and not show it’s age, then you need to add adequate amounts of antioxidant vitamins and minerals to your health plan.
The antioxidant news gets even better. Over the past 40 plus years, the list of antioxidants has expanded to include vitamins A and B Complex, Beta Carotene, the mineral Zinc (as the enzyme SOD in the body), and phytochemicals (found in fuits, vegetables, and herbs).
Most phytochemicals have antioxidant properties. They protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. The Isoflavones, found in soy, help reduce menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis. Indoles in cabbage can reduce the risk of breast cancer. The other antioxidant phytochemicals are Allyl Sulfides (garlic, onions, leeks), Carotenoids (fruits, carrots), Flavonoids (fruits, vegetables), and Polyphenols (tea, grapes).
There is research completed and ongoing that identifies the specific degenerative diseases that antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals can successfully prevent or in some cases effectively treat. The research information has been used by companies that produce nutritional products to develop products that effectively deliver the health benefits that antioxidants can provide.
It goes without saying that getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs is important for the body to operate efficiently and in good health. However, if you want to reap the benefits of true age reversal, then you need to take extra amounts of the antioxidant vitamins and minerals and eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and legumes (particularly soy) that add to your diet a full spectrum of phytochemicals.
In 1964, immediately after reading the article in Life, I began taking extra antioxidant vitamins and minerals. In 1988, I shifted my focus to high quality nutritional products that are backed by independent clinical studies. The products that I take provide me with high quality antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that have helped me reverse the aging process and maintain my overall health and wellness over the past 2 decades.
… Jorge “George” Lugo
