Antioxidants combat age-related diseases by reducing oxidative stress, potentially enhancing longevity and healthspan. Dietary intake and supplements are highlighted as effective strategies for promoting healthy ageing.
October 2022 – Biomedicines
Key takeaways
- Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to age-related diseases: Antioxidants neutralise free radicals, unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress and damage cells. This reduction in oxidative stress can prevent or slow the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, which are commonly associated with ageing
- Dietary antioxidants and supplements may promote healthy ageing and enhance longevity: Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, nuts, and leafy greens, along with antioxidant supplements, can improve the body’s ability to counteract oxidative damage. This helps maintain cellular integrity and function, contributing to a longer, healthier lifespan
- Different sources of antioxidants, including fruits, vegetables, and specific supplements, offer protective benefits: Antioxidants are abundant in various foods such as fruits (e.g., blueberries, strawberries), vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale), and nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds). Specific supplements like vitamins C and E, and compounds like resveratrol, provide additional antioxidant support, helping to fortify the body’s defenses against ageing
- Incorporating antioxidants into daily routines can support overall healthspan and mitigate age-related decline: Regularly including antioxidant-rich foods and supplements in one’s diet can bolster the body’s resilience to oxidative stress, enhancing physical and cognitive health. This proactive approach can slow the ageing process, improve quality of life, and extend the period of life spent in good health
Read the article at: Rai, Priya, et al. “Antioxidants in Age-Related Diseases and Anti-Aging Strategies.” Biomedicines, vol. 10, no. 11, 2022, article 2797, https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10112797.