Nutrients that Slow the Aging Process

Antioxidants
You know Antioxidants are good but what are they?  Antioxidants are compounds that protect your body from free radical damage.  Free radicals are oxygen molecules that cause damage to tissues and can lead to health problems including cancer, atherosclerosis, and cataracts.  Moreover, they contribute to the aging process. 

Nutrients with Antioxidant Properties

The five nutrients that have been identified as having antioxidant properties are beta carotene, vitamin C. vitamin E, and the minerals sulfur and selenium.  Out of the five antioxidant nutrients, vitamin E seems to be the most promising.  Vitamin E  appears to prevent LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized by free radicals, thus preventing the build up of plaque in the veins and arteries.  Foods with significant Vitamin E include broccoli, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanut butter, olive oil, spinach, and kiwi fruit. 

Key Recommendation

Eat foods rich in the following nutrients:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Beta Carotene
• Sulfur
• Selenium

For more information on antioxidants, check out the infographic below:

Provided by http://infographipedia.com

By
Gage Livingston
Milwaukee Personal Trainer
www.gagefit.com

Resource:
ACE Personal Training Manual P. 136