Avoid tarnishing those golden years

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Aging gracefully should always be more than just a catch advertising slogan or a lot of wishful thinking.

With men and women living longer than ever, it is important that all of us start thinking about our later years in terms of quality - not just quantity. The point is not to challenge the forces of nature, but to ensure that your body looks and feels as young as you do.

Aging can be basically summed up as the natural process of oxidation that occurs in every living being. There are certain substances out there that either serve to speed up the process or can slow it down. Smoking cigarettes, leading a stressful life and exposing your body to certain environmental substances (pesticides, herbicides or air, soil and water pollution) will make your body age faster.

By the same token, fighting back with anti-oxidants can severely stifle the aging process. Our bodies are programmed to produce their own anti-oxidants, which we can further stimulate by simply reducing the amount of sugar in our diets and getting at least eight hours of sleep in every 24-hour period. However, as we get older, this often isn't enough.

That's why following a diet that is rich in Vitamins C, E, and beta carotene is a surefire way to cultivate a rich source of external anti-oxidants for one's body. Vitamin C has been proven to fight the nasty effects of repeated exposure to smog and smoke. Vitamin E and Beta Carotene are also quite age-defying, although they tend to be more effective when taken in their organic forms. If five servings of vegetables a day and several fruit servings just doesn't cut it in your diet, these and other anti-oxidants can also be found in carotenoids, lycopene, grapeseed and broccoli sprouts extracts.

It's important to remember that there is no fountain of youth, per se. But that doesn't mean anyone should have to spend their golden years washed up.

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Nothing on this site should be considered advice. You should contact a qualified advisor for health, beauty or medical advice.

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site updated: 4.2.2012

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Avoid tarnishing those golden years