Antioxidants and Antiaging

Genetic inheritance, geographical location of a person's settlement, daily physical activities, and availability of rich polyphenolic food sources contribute, to some extent, to the overall outcome of aging. Since there is a basic relationship among oxidation, inflammation, and aging, the administration of adequate amounts of antioxidants in the diet may improve the immune function, decreasing the oxidative stress, and may subsequently extend the longevity of a person. Antioxidant rich nutrition together with moderate aerobic exercise may repair the damage induced by oxidative stress of aging. In this chapter, we conclude that antioxidants strongly contribute to antiaging by preventing oxidative stress at the cellular level and downregulating the expression of genes related to inflammatory pathways. The best way of utilizing antioxidants is regular consumption of a plant-based diet. In addition, adopting a Mediterranean diet will be a plus. Coffee, tea, olive oil, berries, and other fruits all seem to afford the antiaging process not only for a younger skin, but also for better cognitive abilities. Daily hydrolysed-collagen intake should also be considered for healthier joints and a smoother skin.