“Forever young”, “120 years old and as vital as at 30”: The anti-aging wave is flooding the market with pills, books and fitness offerings. A large proportion of the products have at best dubious benefits for the consumer. But as is so often the case – there is some truth at the core. The fact is that the genetic makeup of human beings could still grant us a longer life than the average we have before us today. At the same time, it is perfectly normal for the human body to start breaking down tissue and organ functions as early as the mid-20s, for the detoxification system to start weakening, and for certain hormone levels to start dropping.
Dangers of anti-aging hormone therapy
Therefore, the well-heeled in particular have the anti-aging hormone cocktail mixed for them: DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) a precursor for all sex hormones, or the growth hormone HGH (Human Growth Hormone) with multiple effects on the entire body.
Effects and side effects of these hormone therapies have not yet been tested over a long period of time. Easier and cheaper are dietary supplements of all kinds: whether vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, whether pills, powder or juice. It is true and scientifically proven that aging is a question of lifestyle. Those who eat a balanced diet, drink moderately, do not smoke and exercise sufficiently have a better chance of growing old healthily.
Oxidative stress makes us old
The basic cell biological cause of aging is the destruction of cell structures by free radicals. Some of these highly reactive substances are produced in the normal metabolism of the cell, for example during energy production. Other radicals enter our bodies via environmental toxins and smoking. These highly aggressive molecules accelerate the cell’s life clock.
Fortunately, antioxidants are able to interrupt this reaction mechanism. Effective antioxidants are beta-carotene (the precursor of vitamin A), vitamins C and E, and the trace element selenium. However, the individual nutrients administered via pills and powders hardly had the expected effect in scientific studies.
Far more protection against free radicals and, moreover, against cancer and cardiovascular disease had fresh foods, especially vegetables, fruits and fresh herbs.
Exercise prolongs life
Fresh salads, meals rich in vegetables and whole grains have the advantage of being filling without providing too much energy to the body. After all, a balance of calories taken in and calories burned, in other words a normal body weight, is an equally important prerequisite for staying healthy. Regular exercise protects the heart and regardless of the particular body weight.
The right fats
Vegetable oils such as sunflower or rapeseed oil contain particularly high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help to lower cholesterol levels. Olive oil, with its high content of the monounsaturated oleic acid, also has a beneficial effect. The much-praised omega-3 fatty acids are found primarily in fatty sea fish and protect against cardiovascular diseases. At most one-third of the daily amount of fat should consist of saturated fatty acids, which are mainly found in animal foods, because they cause cholesterol levels to rise.
The forgotten factor: water
Water is the most important and most underestimated food. Whether juice spritzers, mineral water or teas, it is essential to drink about two liters a day. Just think of the Mediterranean cuisine: lots of vegetables and fruits, high-quality oils, an aqua minerale with every coffee, physical exertion in the fresh air and all with serenity and enjoyment!
