Aging

See also : DNA damage

• Apples have been found to prevent oxidative damage and impaired maze performance,[xviii]as well as decreases in cognitive performance in aging mice. Also, a study performed on mice found that apple juice actually reduced the production of pathological amyloid-beta levels (associated with Alzheimer’s disease) in the mouse brain.
• Alpha lipoic acid: Lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine are the “dynamic duo” of anti-aging nutrients. The benefits noted include improvements in memory, positive changes in age-related hearing loss, and decreased oxidative damage.
• Astragalus root contains cycloastragenols and astragalosides, two powerful molecules that have been implicated in activating telomerase enzyme production. Research suggests that large doses of these molecules have the potential to not only prevent telomere depletion but to actually rebuild the telomere that has been already lost. While a patented form of the highly-concentrated extract called "TA-65" is available through a proprietary regimen, other extracts and derivative formulas are hitting the supplement market that contain potent levels of these isolated molecules as well. Certain specific varieties of astragalus root naturally contain high levels of these powerful molecules and the extracts can be purchased inexpensively in bulk powders or in capsules.Heavy doses of astragalus extract that is rich in astragalosides are said to have the same effect as TA-65 in rejuvenating telomere growth and increasing the amount of telomere base pairs. In other words, the extract is capable of turning back the age clock.
• bitter Cumin extracts appear to offer complete protection against DNA damage, suggesting the herb could have powerful healing and anti-aging properties.
• Carrots : The carotene content in carrots is very high, and carotene is a very potent antioxidant. So if you are in the lookout for foods that boast of high antioxidant content, carrots should be a part of your list. The phytochemicals in carrots are said to be the ones responsible for the carrot’s ability to reduce the risk of stroke and cancer, and in slowing down the process of aging.
• L-Ornithine, L-Glycine, Arginine and L-Lysine are potent amino acids for stimulating the production and release of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) from the pituitary gland.
• Asparagus is rich in potassium, vitamin A, and folate. It is also very high in glutathione - an amino acid compound with protent antioxidant properties; a must as an anti-aging deterrent. Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant that protects cells from toxins such as free radicals.
• Folate – This B vitamin is important for DNA and RNA structure and function.
• Vitamin B12 – In conjunction with folate, this B vitamin is important for the methylation, or detoxification, of homocysteine. Higher levels of homocysteine are associated with increased oxidative stress.
• Niacin (nicotinamide) – Can influence telomere length through its multiple regulatory and coenzymatic activities.
• Vitamin A and beta-carotene – These antioxidants reduce concentrations of harmful signaling molecules and increase beneficial ones to help reduce oxidative stress.
• Vitamin D – Higher levels of vitamin D lower levels of c-reactive protein (CRP), a protein with harmful effects and associated with shortened telomere length. Vitamin D appears to inhibit some of CRP’s harmful effects.
• Vitamin C and Vitamin E – These antioxidant vitamins are widely acknowledged for limiting oxidative stress and its damage on DNA and telomeres.
• Magnesium – The mineral required for the activity of a number of enzymes involved in DNA replication and repair. Low amounts of this mineral are also associated with higher concentrations of CRP.
• Zinc – This mineral is necessary for a variety of enzymes including DNA polymerases, which are important for DNA and telomere maintenance.
• Iron – In contrast to the other nutrients, iron supplementation is associated with shorter telomeres. This is likely because of iron’s pro-oxidant ability to stimulate free radical generation. While iron supplements may increase oxidative stress, iron from diet or multivitamins (containing less iron) is not negatively associated with telomere length.
• Curcumin and turmeric – Turmeric, and its primary component curcumin, are common dietary spices that stimulate synthesis of antioxidants, thereby protecting against oxidative stress. Mice fed diets containing curcumin had a trend for longer telomeres compared with controls.
• Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) – Higher plasma levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may protect against oxidative stress by enhancing activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.
• Polyphenols – Polyphenols from grape seed and green tea provide additional protection for DNA and telomeres from oxidative stress. Those who drink tea regularly have longer telomeres while mice fed grape seed polyphenols had longer telomeres compared to controls.
• Chlorella is a single-celled, water-grown algae that contains more health-enhancing chlorophyll per gram than any other plant. It is extremely rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and many other nutrients that are beneficial to your health. Chlorella has an abundance of nucleic acids, which have powerful rejuvenating properties that regulate the aging process, supports youthful looking and wrinkle-free skin, and helps you have a longer potential lifespan.
• Moringa leaves are a healthy aging powerhouse because they contain several thousand times more of the powerful nutrient zeatin than any other known plant. A study published in Rejuvenation Research shows the undeniable youth-preserving effects of zeatin are due to its ability to regulate cell division and growth, and delay cell aging.
• Wheatgrass is a superfood for the rejuvenation of aging cells.
• The Acai berry (Euterpe Oleracea), the fruit of the Acai Palm tree which grows in the flood plains of the Amazon in Brazil, is a small, black-purple berry that is considered by many to be one of the world's most nutritious foods. That's because it's the most antioxidant-rich superfood in the world, with a phenomenally high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value.
• Cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food tested so far—more than blueberries, red wine, and black and green teas.
• Spirulina is one of the most nutrient-dense food on the planet.