The cells of the body have been shown to divide for a specific number of times for each individual in their lifetime. By the time a person leaves their teenage years behind almost half of their cell division quota has been used up.
This causes the physical changes in the body that are represented by aging and anything that we can do to slow down this process of cell division will increase life expectancy.
As we continue to age and move towards our early forties almost another half of the remaining cells are used up leaving only 25 – 30 percent available for the rest of our lives.
Obviously when the final allotment of cells are used up the outcome is death.
So what can we do to slow this down and extend our years?
The main cause of the speed by which the cells will degenerate is from free radicals and fortunately scientific research has determined that this rate can be slowed with the introduction of more antioxidants which reduces the free radicals.
The more free radicals we have the faster the rate the body ages.
What are free radicals?
They are the harmful substances that are the result of oxidation and occur naturally in the body.
It is only when they attack the healthy cells in the body that they cause a problem however they are unable to distinguish between which cells are good and which ones are bad.
It is the destruction of healthy cells that causes the aging process and if more pronounced they can cause other more serious disorders and diseases.
By reducing these free radicals with the help of antioxidants the body clock is slowed down and we are able to look and feel younger for longer.
While the body is unable to produce its own antioxidants without help we must get a sufficient supply in the foods that we eat as it is the distinct function of antioxidants to act on these free radicals and maintain the necessary balance to maintain optimum health.
The best sources of antioxidants are found in foods such as berries, broccoli, carrots, garlic, red grapes, soy, spinach, tea, tomatoes and whole grains.
By adding these to your diet on a regular basis you should be getting sufficient in your body to maintain a healthy balance and reduce the aging process.