These Foods can Reverse Aging

Introduction

Aging is a complex process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function, followed by dysfunction, and ultimately, death. Skin aging is a major concern for many people, as it is the external manifestation of aging people are more distressed about it. There are extrinsic and intrinsic processes that induce skin aging. Extrinsic aging develops due to environmental factors, such as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, alcohol intake, pollution, and severe physical stress [1]. While intrinsic skin aging occurs because of cumulative endogenous damage due to continual formation of reactive oxygen species [2].

Anti-Aging

Many recent studies have focused on maintaining a healthy life by preventing and/or postponing the aging process. Numerous studies have reported that continuous exposure to reactive oxygen species can stimulate skin aging and that excessive accumulation of fat can cause an impaired skin barrier and tissue structure alterations. Thus, the maintenance of antioxidant homeostasis and the suppression of adipose accumulation are important strategies for skin anti-aging. 

Growth and aging can be affected by various factors, such as disease, injury, nutrition, exercise, stress, and numerous environmental factors.

Foods for Prevention of Aging

Antioxidant sources containing a variety of bio-active components from natural sources have been recommended for aging prevention [3].

Vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids and a variety of plant extracts have been reported to possess potent anti-oxidant properties.

Isoflavone

Foods that contain high amounts of isoflavones include soy, peanuts, chick peas, alfalfa, fava beans, and kudzu.

The release of growth and sex hormones is known to be profoundly associated with aging [4]. Symptoms related to aging develop rapidly in women at menopause such as, an increase of body fat, a change in body fat distribution, loss of muscle mass, skin thickness and others.

Isoflavone, a compound found in soybeans, is chemically similar to estrogen that lowers cholesterol level, prevents cardiovascular disease, prevents cancer and osteoporosis.
A study found that soybeans consumption boosts antioxidant effects and has positive effects on anti-aging in post-menopausal women [5]. Soybeans intake on a regular basis are expected to be beneficial in planning anti-aging strategies to maintain good health.

Tip: Eat foods like soy, peanuts, chick peas, alfalfa, fava beans, and kudzu.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring stilbene endowed with multiple health-promoting effects. It is produced by certain plants including several dietary sources such as grapes, apples, raspberries, blueberries, plums, peanuts and products derived therefrom e.g., wine [6].

This compound has shown beneficial effects for cardiovascular, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, metabolic, and age-related diseases [6].

A study showed that Resveratrol supplementation showed to prolong lifespan in approximately 60% of the studies conducted in model organisms, but this life prolonging effect was more prominent in non-human species [7].

Tip: Grapes, apples, raspberries, blueberries, plums, peanuts and red wine are rich in Resveratrol.

Vitamin C

The richest natural sources of vitamin C are fresh fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, camu camu, blackcurrant, rose hip, guava, chili pepper or parsley. 

Topically vitamin C, is used in various cosmetic products, for example in lightening of skin dyspigmentation, anti-aging and sun protection formulations. One of the major contributions to skin photoageing and diseases is oxidative stress, caused by UV radiation inducing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. A study shows that vitamin C due to its antioxidants can help prevent skin aging due to oxidative stress [8].

Vitamin E

Higher amounts of vitamin E are available in vegetables, vegetable oils like wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil and seeds, corn, soy and some forms of meat.

Tocopherol is a fat-soluble membrane bound antioxidant and consequently a free-radical scavenger especially of highly reactive singlet oxygen. The vitamin E complex is a group of 8 compounds called tocopherols [9]. 

The intake of natural vitamin E products helps against collagen cross linking and lipid peroxidation, which are both linked to aging of the skin [9].

Beta Carotenes

Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, mangos and papaya are some examples of β-carotene containing fruits and vegetables. Beta carotene is an antioxidant and mixtures of carotenoids can increase their activity against free radicals hence helps with anti-aging process.

A study showed that the mutations caused in mitochondria due to photoaging can be protected by beta-carotene supplementation [10]. 

Flavonoids

Flavonoids can be found in the onions, potatoes, tomatoes, cereals, chocolate and dry legume fruits such as pear apple, cherry etc.

A study conducted on yeast showed that flavonoids caused life extension as well as potentially anti-aging effects for mammalian cells [11]. They also have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties which makes them quite suitable for adopting a healthier lifestyle, hence prolonging the lifespan of a person.

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll’s anti-oxidant properties are speculated to play a role in reducing wrinkles, epidermal DNA damage, and apoptosis.

A study showed that drink containing chlorophyll extracts improves signs of photoaging and increases type I procollagen in human skin in vivo [12]. Wheatgrass juice is an example of drink that is rich in chlorophyll.

Red Ginseng

Red ginseng shows antioxidant, immunostimulatory, and anti-aging activity. A red ginseng extract-containing Torilus fructus and Corni fructus mixture improves facial wrinkles, a clinical sign of photoaging, and this improvement is associated with biochemical and histological evidence of increased collagen synthesis in the dermis [13].

Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like salmon and mackerel, algae, krill, and certain plants and nut oils. 

These fats are involved in brain biochemistry, physiology and functioning; and thus, in some neuro psychiatric 
diseases and in the cognitive decline of ageing [14]. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel is obtained from the pulp of a tropical cactus that belongs to the lily family with purported anti-inflammatory, healing, moisturizing, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties [15].

Aloe gel significantly improves wrinkles and elasticity in photoaged human skin, with an increase in collagen production and a decrease in the collagen-degrading gene [16].

Conclusion

The foods stated above can help you develop a healthier body, with reduced risk of diseases coupled with the aging process. Many of them are helpful in treatment of various cardiovascular, muscular, skeletal and cognitive diseases.
The best prevention strategy against the harmful action of free radicals, resulting in aging, is a well-regulated lifestyle with caloric restriction, body care and physical exercise for the body, with low stress conditions and a balanced nutritional diet, including anti-oxidative rich food.

References

[1]	C. J. S. J. C. H. L. M. Y. C. R. G. C. K. K. K. P. K. and E. H. , "Modulation of skin collagen metabolism in aged and photoaged human skin in vivo," Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2001.
[2]	Y. K. and S. H. , "Chemiluminescent detection and imaging of reactive oxygen species in live mouse skin exposed to UVA," Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2000.
[3]	C. Y. L. Q. S. M. and C. H. , "Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of 112 traditional Chinese medicinal plants associated with anticancer," Life Sciences, 2004.
[4]	F. B. . R. B. and . M. J. , "Role of norepinephrine in mediating stress hormone regulation of long-term memory storage: a critical involvement of the amygdala.," Biological Psychiatry, 1999.
[5]	S. Park, . M.-J. Yang, . S.-N. H. and . J.-S. Lee, "Effective Anti-aging Strategies in an Era of Super-aging," Journal of Menopausal Medicine, 2014.
[6]	W. S. and W. R. , "Resveratrol: How Much Wine Do You Have to Drink to Stay Healthy?," Advances in Nutrition, 2016.
[7]	P. K. R. G. R. P. C. D. and W. I. , "Resveratrol and Lifespan in Model Organisms.," Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2016.
[8]	G. M. and G. M. , "Main approaches for delivering antioxidant vitamins through the skin to prevent skin ageing.," Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, 2011.
[9]	S. K. Schagen, V. A. Zampeli, . E. Makrantonaki and C. C. Zouboulis, "Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging," Dermato-Endocrinology, 2012.
[10]	E. J. . K. V. W. S. . R. G. G. R. K. J. and B. M. , "Betacarotene supplementation protects from photoaging-associated mitochondrial DNA mutation.," Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences, 2003.
[11]	X. L. . S. K. L. J. . W. Y. T. A. . S. Y. and Q. J. , "Anti-aging effects of phloridzin, an apple polyphenol, on yeast via the SOD and Sir2 genes.," Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2011.
[12]	C. S. L. D. . W. C. . K. S. K. S. L. S. . L. M. and C. J. , "Drink containing chlorophyll extracts improves signs of photoaging and increases type I procollagen in human skin in vivo," Korean Journal of Dermatology, 2006.
[13]	C. S. W. C. L. D. . L. M. L. S. S. S. . L. S. . K. B. . K. N. and C. J. , "Red ginseng root extract mixed with Torilus fructus and Corni fructus improves facial wrinkles and increases type I procollagen synthesis in human skin: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.," Journal of Medicinal Food, 2009.
[14]	B. JM, "Dietary omega-3 Fatty acids and psychiatry: mood, behaviour, stress, depression, dementia and aging.," The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, 2005.
[15]	S. Cho, "The Role of Functional Foods in Cutaneous Anti-aging," Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 2014.
[16]	C. S. L. S. . L. M. L. D. . W. C. K. S. and C. J. , "Dietary Aloe Vera Supplementation Improves Facial Wrinkles and Elasticity and It Increases the Type I Procollagen Gene Expression in Human Skin in vivo.," Annals of Dermatology, 2009.

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Camu Camu - Vitamic C Powerhouse

What Is Camu Camu?

Camu Camu or technically known as Myrciaria dubia is a shrub and fruit species that grows in swampy or flooded areas of the Amazon rain forests of Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia and could be the next promising food. The shrub bears large berries that can look like cherries. The fruit and leaves are used as a medicine. These berries turn out to be one of the rich vitamin C fruit, for they have more of this vitamin in them.

Camu Camu is also used as an antioxidant and immune system stimulant. Camu Camu is used for viral infections including herpes, cold sores, shingles, common cold , cataracts and glaucoma. Other uses include treatment of asthma , “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), chronic fatigue syndrome, depression , gum disease ( gingivitis ), headaches , and osteoarthritis .

Although this fruit contains powerful flavonoid with health benefits, such as amino acids, gallic acid, ellagic acid, potassium, etc. it comprises more natural Vitamin C than any other known botanical in the world.

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C is one of the most well-known vitamins, but do you really know what it is and what it does? Most people associate it with orange juice, assume that it will help you stay healthier, and know little else about this famous and fascinating vitamin. The truth is that Vitamin C is necessary for all humans. It also helps protect other fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids in the oxidation process. First of all what is Vitamin C? Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. Vitamin C is essential for your body to create collagen and it is a powerful antioxidant ( Nobile and Woodhill, 1981 ). Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients for advancing immune functions and it helps in fighting the pathogens and oxidative stress ( Dr. Victor Marchione, 2016 ). Unlike the oil soluble vitamins such as A and E, Vitamin C cannot be stored by your body. Since Vitamin C is not stored by your body, we need to get it from our diet or from supplements. Your body is unable to manufacture vitamin C, so you should ensure that you get enough from the foods you eat and nutritional supplements.

It also has been used to treat iron deficiency and can present and cure scurvy. So what happens if you don’t consume enough Vitamin C? In extreme cases, it can cause the disease Scurvy. Rarely seen today except in alcoholics who don’t consume many other calories, it causes mobile teeth, bleeding gums, purplish colored wounds, joint pain, muscle deterioration, and a wealth of other problems. Those who think they may not be getting enough Vitamin C, the good news is that it is readily available in the form of many common foods, fruits and supplements.

Sources of vitamin C:

Vitamin C is available from many different sources. Generally, Acerola, acai and oranges are the super foods known for their extremely high vitamin C content, but camu camu contains even more vitamin C.

Vitamin C is a very important nutritional component. Be sure that your body gets enough of it!

Camu Camu as Vitamin C Powerhouse:

Camu Camu fruit contains many nutrients such as fatty acid, protein, beta carotene however it’s considered as the richest source of vitamin C compared to any other food or fruit on the earth even more than the mighty orange. Generally oranges are known for their high vitamin C content. While comparing the amount of vitamin C in a camu camu with an orange: Camu Camu consists 30 times the amount of vitamin C than an orange( Pinedo-Panduro and Penn, 2008 ); this translates to 1,787.5% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C for every 100 grams of camu camu. Oranges often have 1,000-3000 parts per million of vitamin C whereas, camu camu berry can reach concentrations of up to 50,000 parts per million ( Dr. Edward Group DC, 2013 ).

A tablespoon of camu camu powder can give way more vitamin C we need for the day. This remarkable high amount of vitamin C from camu camu serve us with many health benefits and because of its benefits people are taking camu camu powder instead of regular supplement.

In a study, carried out with 20 male smokers, one group drank camu camu juice and other took vitamin C tablets daily for a week. The research concluded with decrease in some markers for antioxidants and oxidative stress on camu camu group whereas, no changes seen on another group ( Coles, 2014 ).

The relatively high amount of vitamin C in the camu camu berry has evolved very active discussions concerning possible benefits of vitamin C therapy. Indeed one of the most popular advocates in this regard is Dr. James Duke, he has explored large-serving vitamin C therapy and its potential application ( Dr. Edward Group DC, 2013 ).

The natural plant being recorded as the highest source of vitamin C is better choice over synthetic vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, liver, lungs, lymphatic and urinary systems. It has the advantages of being non-irritating to sensitive stomach. One or two grams of camu camu per day is as effective as five to six grams of synthetic vitamin C. No other source of Vitamin C can supports, strengthens and energies the body as much as this natural plant source.

Side Effects of Camu Camu

Very less or little side effect known till date of camu camu. However it may interact with Chemotherpy treatment.

References:

1. COLES, T. 2014 Camu Camu Benefits: 11 Things You Need To Know About The Fruit.
2. DR. EDWARD GROUP DC, N., DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM 2013. What Is Camu Camu?
3. DR. VICTOR MARCHIONE, M. 2016. Camu Camu: Vitamin C -Rich Berry Powder Can Benefit Your Health.
4. NOBILE, S. & WOODHILL, J. M. 1981. What is vitamin C? Vitamin C. Springer.
5. PINEDO-PANDURO, M. & PENN, J. 2008. Camu-camu: A sustainable option for agroindustry in the Peruvian Amazon. FAO Non-wood News, 17, 52.

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