Young in body and young in mind. Something we all want to remain. Longing for that eternal youth, we all apply creams to our skin and take nutritional supplements. In recent years, the advertising world and the media have convinced us that as long as we contain antioxidants, we will stay young. Is that right?
Antioxidants and free radicals
Antioxidants
Antioxidants prevent oxidation. Oxidation is a very natural chemical process that occurs upon contact with oxygen. Just think of iron that rusts. Foods spoil more quickly when they come into contact with oxygen. Antioxidants are added to preserve these foods for longer. Oxidation processes are also constantly taking place in our bodies because the air we breathe contains oxygen. During oxidation, free radicals can be released that can damage our cells: wrinkles, skin aging but also cancer can be the result. Antioxidants can neutralize these free radicals.
Free radicals
Free radicals therefore occur during oxidation. However, there are a number of other factors that can generate free radicals:
- Air pollution
- Ozone
- Cigarette smoke
- Sunlight
Antioxidants are indispensable
Antioxidants are indeed essential to capture all those free radicals and render them harmless. The question is whether it is necessary to apply creams and take nutritional supplements for this.
Cosmetics
Most cosmetic creams contain antioxidants. Initially, these are intended to allow the creams to be stored for longer. Secondly, the cosmetics industry has cleverly jumped on the antioxidant bandwagon. Because what woman doesn’t want to get rid of those wrinkles? Sales pitches that they promote the cell renewal process and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin should be used with caution. Ultimately, you cannot prevent the skin aging process, at most you can slow it down a bit.
Power supply
It is common knowledge that it is important to eat healthy. Antioxidants play an important role in a healthy diet. They can be found in the form of vitamins (A, C and E), Selenium and glutathione.
If you eat a balanced diet you will get enough vitamins through your diet and it is not necessary to take nutritional supplements. In the elderly , nutrients are sometimes less well absorbed from food. In certain cases it may be advisable to take supplements: your doctor can judge this.
In which foods do you find the necessary vitamins?
Vitamin A
Increases resistance and keeps skin and eyes healthy
- products of animal origin (liver, cod liver oil, palm oil, butter, margarine and egg yolk)
- green leafy vegetables, carrots, olives, tomatoes, apricots, pumpkin, cress, parsley, kale and spinach
Vitamin C
Is important for our immune system and helps prevent winter ailments and combat temporary fatigue
- citrus fruits
- Kiwi
- broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, green vegetables
- potatoes
Vitamin E
It has a preventive effect on aging and lifestyle diseases
- vegetable oils
- wheat germ, whole grain products
- Almonds, hazelnuts
- spinach
- sardines
- avocado
- eggs, margarine
Selenium (a mineral)
- Whole grain bread
- brown rice
- mushrooms
Gluthathione (an amino acid)
- asparagus
- melon
- avocado
Exercise
Of course, in addition to a healthy diet, exercise is very important to stay young. Those who exercise regularly experience various beneficial effects: normal blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, better blood sugar levels, stronger immune system, smaller risk of osteoporosis,
Decision
- Antioxidants are absolutely necessary for everyone.
- Antioxidants can slow down the aging process but not prevent it
- Anti-wrinkle creams? They certainly contain antioxidants, the question remains whether they are really effective
- Take sufficient exercise at regular intervals
- Are Nutritional Supplements Necessary?
- Not if you try to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Then you get all the necessary vitamins through your diet.
- Yes, if your doctor considers this necessary