by Kimberley Heit

Created on: March 07, 2009   Last Updated: July 09, 2010

Antioxidants have the ability to fight free radicals, this makes them capable of slowing down the aging process. This article looks at how antixodiants fight aging and provides tips on how to maximize their abilities.

How do antioxidants fight aging?

One of the main causes of physical aging is the attack of free radicals. Free radicals damage cell function and over time this can result in tissue damage to the skin. The human body is constantly producing free radicals, but when we are young and healthy our natural system of antioxidants enzymes is able to neutralize them.

Unfortunately, today's lifestyle often means we are bombarded with more free radicals then our natural defence mechanism can handle. Smoking, stress, pollution, strong sunlight and chemicals in our food and water, all contribute to increasing levels of free radicals. In addition, our naturally occurring antioxidants begin to deplete from the mid twenties onwards.

To prevent free radical damage it becomes necessary to try and increase the supply of antioxidants to the body.

Including antioxidants in your diet:

There are currently lots of cosmetic products on the market which include antioxidant ingredients, but there is no definitive proof that topical treatments are able to adequately defend against free radicals. If you are serious about slowing down the process of aging you need to defend yourself from the inside out. This means your diet needs to include lots of antioxidant rich food groups.

Some of the best antioxidant food sources include:

*Berries-like blueberries and strawberries are rich in phytonutrient antioxidants. They provide protection from sun damage, prevent inflammation, strengthen capillaries and quite possibly have a reverse affect on aging.

*Tomatoes-are rich in the phytonutrient lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and reverses sun damage.

*Citrus fruits-contain a high percentage of Vitamin C, which is a very potent antioxidant. Vitamin C not only deactivates free radicals, it increases the antioxidant fighting abilities of other vitamins.

*Green leafy vegetables-like spinach are high in high in antioxidants that protect the cell membranes from free radical attack.

*Olive oil-is rich in Vitamin E, which sits in the cell membranes and traps any free radicals that come along.

*Green Tea- is rich in flavonoids which are potent free radical fighters.

There are lots of ways you can work antioxidant rich foods into your daily diet. Try adding berries to your cereal or yogurt, make a smoothie or juice combination, whip up some salsa, or simply make a salad consisting of green leafy vegetables and an olive oil dressing.

You should aim to eat foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, ideally raw. When you deep fry, smoke or barbecue your food you create extra free radicals. In fact every puff of smoke can produce thousands of free radicals. In addition, try to buy organic food because it is free from chemicals which can produce free radicals.

Learn more about this author, Kimberley Heit.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.