While age eludes all of us at one point or another, certain nutritional supplements promise to augment a few years to your life, or at least amp up your health. In a culture that puts a premium on youth, it’s no bolt from the blue that people are constantly on the lookout for a magic elixir. However, can nutritional supplements really thwart the progressing wheel of age? Nature is your best friend when it comes to anti-aging remedies. It has provided us with tools, in the form of antioxidants, to reverse aging and ward off its repercussions. As such, it comes as no surprise that exploring these natural miracles has been the focus of scrutiny for eons. Here we delve deep in to five top anti-aging supplements that have truly earned this coveted status:
1. CoQ10 Extends Lives
Can a house run without energy? Neither can your body! Here’s where this top notch supplement comes in to play. This vitamin like supplement aids the mitochondria in “burning fuel” more efficiently, and makes the energy transfer to make ATP more proficient. Without this substance, aging accelerates because mitochondria become dysfunctional. CoQ10 supplementation has been proven to protract the live spans of various species, since it alleviates the oxidative stress wreaked on mitochondria. In fact, in one study, mice exposed to CoQ10 lived approximately 11.7% years longer, which is to say 9 extra human years!
CoQ10 supplement is available to consumers in myriad forms, such as soft gel capsules, an oral rinse that can help care of gum diseases, tablets, and hard shelled capsules. However, our bodies are more apt to absorb soft gel capsules that hard ones.
2. PQQ Helps New Mitochondria Grow
PQQ is an antioxidant present in almost all plants. Animals and humans require this antioxidant for reproduction and growth. Similar to CoQ10, it helps the mitochondria transfer energy. However, the point that makes it so unique and imperative is that it enhances the number of mitochondria in cells. Studies have proven that animals deprived of PQQ had fewer mitochondria in their tissues, decreased immune function, and presented stunted growth. However, when PQQ was administered, the effects were reversed. In addition, PQQ is one of the most potent antioxidants around. In fact, it is five thousand times more powerful at enduring oxidation than vitamin C.
3. Carnitine Decreases Death Rates
This substance is naturally present in every cell of the human body. Produced in the kidneys and liver, and stored in the sperm, muscles, brain, and heart, Carnitine helps the body burn fat for energy. It helps in transporting fats to the mitochondria so that they can be burned to generate energy. However, with the passing age, the levels of Carnitine drop significantly in the body, leaving the mitochondria prone to eradication.
Most people have to be administered Carnitine supplements because their bodies are unable to produce sufficient levels of the nutrient. Amongst its many strong suits, ample research has proven that Carnitine helps alleviate the symptoms of angina, a severe medical debility where a lack of blood flow to the heart results in agonizing chest pains. Carnitine has also been tested as an effective remedy for Alzheimer’s disease and as a viable anti-aging supplement, since it helps is boosting memory functions. Carnitine is also renowned for its use in relieving depression related to dementia and senility. Some studies have even gone so far as to suggest that Carnitine supplements may also increase sperm count in men.
4. EGCG Protects Against Age-Related Disease Development
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a well-known polyphenol compound which is abundantly found in green tea. It offers a diverse array of health-promoting properties, including its ability to mitigate the risk of certain cancers and health conditions related to age, as well as promoting longevity. EGCG is a popular age-defying compound due to its ability to restore mitochondrial function in cells, as well as its ability to act on the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and other pathways involved in aging. ECGC is also responsible for inducing autophagy, a process via which our bodies get rid of damaged cellular material. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that green tea has been scientifically linked with a reduced risk of heart-disease, stroke, and diabetes related deaths. Not to mention, green tea intake or consuming concentrated supplements has been known to help you maintain a youthful appearance by protecting against skin aging and wrinkles.
5. Crocin Protects Against Age-Related Mental Decline
The popular spice saffron isn’t only used to add a sumptuous aroma to your meals; its yellowish carotenoid pigment, commonly known as Crocin, offers a repository of health benefits, including anti-diabetic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. But above all, Crocin has been scientifically linked to reduced likelihood of age-related mental decline. Crocin works by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species and advanced glycation end products, which are responsible for age-related nerve damage. Crocin also protects against UV-light-induced cellular damage and reduces inflammation to keep you looking youthful and fresh. Since Saffron is one of the most costly spices you can find in the market, it’s more feasible to boost your Crocin intake with the help of supplements.
