What is aging?
This is a common observation that there are some people who are 40 but look 60 and others who are 60 but look 20 years younger. The process of aging its signs and early prevention may be devised by the food miracle. Aging is the result of many complicated biological changes which occur after the glycation product formed. Aging is that natural phenomena which every living organism experiences. In Human beings by the passage of age in years they get older. Many biological and chemical changes speed up the aging process i-e glycation and cellular oxidation. There are some very important factors which contribute to the speed up reactions of aging like unnecessary sugar and other sweets, tension, mental pressure and toxicity.
What is Glycation?
Usually when simple carbohydrates are taken by the body, they are broken down into sugars like glucose and fructose which are simple fuel for every single cell of the body. But with the increasing years of life when we use excessive sugar or high-glycemic foods (foods having higher levels of natural sugar and faster dissolving time of natural sugars in the blood. These sugars become more reactive with proteins and fats in an abnormal way, When you have sugar molecules in your system, they bombard the body’s cells like a meteor shower—glomming onto fats and proteins in a process known as glycation. The external signs of glycation show up around the age of 30 or 35, when a perfect storm of built-up sun damage, environmental oxidative stress, hormonal changes, and the development of AGEs begins to result in producing harmful molecules called “advanced glycation end products ( AGEs).” This process is called “glycation.” When you’re younger, your body has more resources to ward off damage, and you’re producing more collagen,”
Glycation process shows its effects as:
- Age spots
- Wrinkles and dry fine lines
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hardness of skin
- Dull skin
- Uneven skin tone
- Degradation of collagen
There are some Natural ways which help to slow down the process of aging. Many times it is been observed that some people look younger even 20 years than their real age or older than real. There are so many reasons for this secret which are discussed below:
Foods that accelerate the Aging process
Keep your skin supple, your muscles stronger, and your joints pain-free by avoiding foods known to speed up aging. Following are the bad diets which should not be taken in daily routine:
Refined sugar:
The foods including majority of bakery items contain refined flour, which is manufactured during refining process. All the colored components and impurities are removed during refining process and these refined items are prepared. Similarly refined sugars include table sugar and sucrose. These refined add on the process of glycation which directly enhance the oxidation of body cells. In the process of oxidation cells are badly damaged and this damage cause wrinkles on the skin.
Grains: Whole grains and wheat bread have glycemic index of 71 and 51 respectively which after digestion increases the blood glucose level. Higher the level of insulin more is the risk of wrinkle appearance.
Milk: Pasteurized milk contain 12grams of Carbs and 12 grams of sugars which almost blow up the sugar level if you consume 2 glasses a day or use it off and on. High levels of sugars may also cause cellular inflammation and ultimately cellular damage.
Trans fats: The type of fat which is the result of hydrogenation process and the oil undergoes through the process of hardening. Trans fats are usually used in all fast foods and bakery items for example doughnuts, pizza, pie, cake and crackers. The reason is that they are considered to be very good to attain texture and shape. These processed fats promote inflammation which may lead to premature aging, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Alcohol : Although an occasional glass of red wine may be beneficial for health as it has an important anti-oxidant known as resveratrol, the overall consumption of alcohol is pro-inflammatory and speeds up the aging process.
Artificial sugar or other artificial ingredients: These contain a large number of chemicals which can speed up the aging process.
Aging is a continuous process, it can’t be reversed. But its process can be slow down to the maximum extent by following healthy diet. Some top foods are suggested here:
Anti-Aging Foods
There are certain nutrients you must get in your diet on daily basis including antioxidants, healthy fats, minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients.
Anti-oxidant rich teas: Green tea, white tea, and black tea contain antioxidants called polyphenols that protect your cells from free radical damage.
Fish and other sea foods: Most of the sea foods provide omega-3 fats to slow the aging process. They act as anti-inflammatory agents. These foods are rich sources of Vit. D. Both vitamin D and omega-3 are powerful antioxidants that help fight the signs of aging.
Green leafy vegetables: spinach and saag provide important nutrients to support bone health, eye health, and even prevent cancer. Spirulina (a sea vegetable) provides high levels of anti-oxidants including polyphenols. This super anti-oxidant is a powerhouse weapon against pre-mature aging. Bright colored vegetables and fruits are richest sources of Antioxidants which are anti cancers, anti-diabetic, antiaging and anti-depressant.
Herbs – Turmeric and garlic contain anti-oxidants and cleansing nutrients that can slow the aging process.
Foods speeds up Aging
Refined sugar: All refined products are formed after the process of milling. They promote the process of Glycation. Glycation damages cells and causes wrinkles. Refined foods are considered to be the worst as Aging inducers.
Trans fats and hydrogenated oils. These processed fats promote inflammation which may lead to premature aging, heart disease, and certain other diseases like cancers.
Alcohol and Hydrogenated drinks: The hydrogenated drinks cause inflammation in many body tissues which become vulnerable to the process of aging. Same is the case with artificial sugar.
Top 5 Natural Anti-Aging Supplements
1) Omega-3 fats (Fish Oil 1000 mg daily)
The omega-3 fats are found in fish oil are powerful anti-inflammatory agents and may reduce age-related cellular damage.
2) Green superfood powder (1 scoop daily)
Contains foods high in antioxidant compounds like chlorella, grass juices, wild berries, and herbs that slow aging.
3) Resveratrol (250-500 mg daily)
Found in the skin of red grapes resveratrol and it has been shown to reduce cellular damage and slow aging process.
4) Adaptogen Herbs Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Holy Basil, Ginseng (500-1000 mg daily)
These herbs lower cortisol levels (which boosts up as a result of stress and depression) and reduce the damaging effects of stress over the body.
5) Co-enzyme Q10 (150 mg 2x daily)
The popularity of this natural supplement is undoubtedly accepted . It acts as a powerful antioxidant by supporting heart function and is also required for the energy production of cells critical for preventing premature aging.
Some most common reason of presaging:
Life style Modifications:
Adopt a healthy life style; try to be involved in mobile activities. Use to walk rather than using remote controls all the time.
Sleep – A good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do to prevent aging and is one of the most overlooked health habits. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep daily in a dark, cool room.
Exercise – Staying active keeps you young by lubricating your joints, supporting detoxification, improving lean muscle mass, and building your cardiovascular health.
Essential Oils for Anti-Aging
Essential oils like frankincense, lavender, myrrh and sandalwood are the most anti-aging remedies on the planet. They are high in antioxidants and contain compounds that naturally balance hormones and reduce cellular damage.
Taking frankincense internally 2 drops daily in water can slow the aging process as well as using this homemade natural anti-aging serum before bed.
Written by.
Saba Chaudhry
Institute of Home Sciences
Research Assistant
