Antioxidants: The Fountain of Youth?

Up until the 1950's it was common belief that aging was totally predetermined by a biological clock programmed within the genes. Modern scientific research has unveiled the function of antioxidants against free radicals that cause aging and degenerative changes in the body. Increasing evidence is highlighting the role antioxidants may have in protecting against certain conditions such as heart disease, stroke and cancers. It has been proposed that the mechanisms leading to these diseases may be promoted by free radicals and that antioxidants may oppose the action of these molecules. In addition to the well known antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E, there is growing research demonstrating the potentially beneficial effects of plant-derived antioxidants, polyphenols, found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals and drinks such as tea and red wine.

The Protective mechanisms of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that help to inhibit the many oxidation reactions caused by free radicals thereby preventing or delaying damage to the cells and tissues.

Their mechanisms of action include:

* Scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen free radical species

* Decreasing the localised oxygen concentration thereby reducing molecular oxygen's oxidation potential

* Metabolising lipid peroxides to non-radical products

* Chelating metal ions to prevent the generation of free radicals In this way antioxidants limit the free radical damage from:

* Oxidising Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which may increase the risk of athersclerosis * Promoting platelet adhesion, which can lead to thrombosis thereby increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke

* Damaging the cell's DNA, which may lead to cancer * Blocking the normal endothelial cell function and vasodilatation in response to nitric oxide, a potential mechanism for heart disease and cancer

* Triggering inflammation * Impairing immune function Some antioxidants are synthesised within the cells themselves (endogenous) and others need to be provided in the diet.

Drs. Christiaan Janssens
CRO Akwa Beauty & Wellness

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