How do you define age? Is it the age according to one’s birth certificate? Or it is how your body feels? The truth is, your biological age (the actual age of the body) matters more than your chronological age. While you can’t turn back the years, you can choose to be younger than your biological age by making changes in your life to improve your health and the way you look. There are several theories that explain the reason why we age:
Why do we age?
- Telomere theory
Recently, telomere shortening has been related to aging. Telomeres are structures at tail-end strands of chromosomes that protect our genes and enable cell division to take place. Telomeres are like the plastic tips on shoelaces that prevent chromosome ends from clumping together. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres shorten slightly until a certain point where they get too short and are incapable of dividing anymore and they die off. Although telomere shortening is a natural process, oxidative stresses could accelerate the shortening process. Researches have shown that the length of telomeres is directly related to our memory or cognitive function. Rapid shortening of telomeres predisposes us to premature dementia and possibly memory loss.
- The dark side of oxygen
Oxygen makes life possible. We rely on oxygen for body metabolism and without it, most living creatures would be dead within a few minutes. However, there is a dark side of this element. Certain form of oxygen, called free radical, causes oxidation to our body. A free radical is a molecule with unpaired electrons. An electron without a partner is so unstable that it needs to regain its stability by stealing electron from neighbouring molecules. With the loss of electron, the formerly stable molecule becomes a free radical itself and set off a chain reaction of free radical formation. Cut apples turn brown because the apples have rusted. That is what oxidation does to our body that causes “internal rust”. This is the primary reason why we age and develop chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and even cancers.
- Decline in antioxidant production
Antioxidants are substances that can help to scavenge and neutralise free radicals and thus, eliminate the harmful effects of free radicals on human body. The body can produce its own antioxidants and also obtain them from foods. However, as we age, depletion of body’s antioxidants level is inevitable. Reduction in antioxidants level begins as early as the age of 30. We may encounter this even earlier due to the exposure to external and internal stress, faulty diet, inadequate rest, environmental pollution and UV radiation from the sun. Lack of antioxidant protection can lead to cellular breakdown as a result excessive free radicals damage and this is recognised as the primary contributor to aging.
- Degradation of endocrine system
The endocrine system is a complex system comprised of pituitary gland, hypothalamus, thyroid, adrenals, gonads, pancreas, and pineal gland. These organs and glands release hormones which play vital roles in maintaining our health and well-being. Balanced hormone levels make us feel more energetic. However, the hormonal system that regulates our bodily functions will gradually wear out as we age and increase our susceptibility to a host of diseases. For example, the decline in the production of growth hormone may lead to hormonal imbalance that gives rise to problems such as decreased lean muscle mass, increased risks of osteoporosis and heart disease. Hormonal imbalance will also lead to increased melanocytes production and cause the appearance of liver spots on the skin.
The key to anti-aging
The aging process affects our whole body system including skin, various organs, nerves, heart and the immune system. Without the right supply of antioxidant-rich food and supplement, our skin elasticity would be reduced, we could have wrinkled skin, we would get sick more easily and would be more susceptible to chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, stroke and memory loss.
Researches revealed that the length of telomeres depends greatly on our body’s antioxidant capacity. With enhanced antioxidant capacity and minimal oxidative stress, rationally, we can slow telomere loss and retard aging process. As such, augmenting our bodies with an adequate supply of antioxidants would ensure better antioxidant protection and simultaneously makes up the shortfall in the body’s antioxidants production. While there are antioxidants in certain foods that we eat, their overall contribution is usually not enough due to insufficient intake or food lacking in antioxidants. Many studies have shown the benefits of supplementation as a good way to maintain cellular health and slow the aging process. NewLife™ has all you need to help you to hold back the years.
NewLife™ Collasta, a blend of antioxidant complex extracted from red algae, grape seed, green tea, pine bark, mangosteen and tomato works synergistically to protect against cell damage and neutralise the harmful effects of free radicals. One of its main ingredients, astaxanthin, has 550 times the antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E and 40 times the antioxidant capacity of beta-carotene! Besides quenching and neutralising free radicals, astaxanthin can increase HDL cholesterol level, boost the immune system, increase body strength and endurance, as well as perform extraordinary functions that many other antioxidants can’t, such as:
- Cross the blood-brain barrier, bringing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection to the brain and central nervous system
- Cross the blood-retinal barrier, bringing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection to the eyes
- Travel through the body effectively; bringing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection at a high activity level to all the organs and the skin
- Span cell membranes
- Bond with muscle tissues
As you age, the collagen breaks down, the elastin fibres weaken and lose their flexibility, the skin begins to shrink, resulting in wrinkles. In addition to the natural age-related decline in collagen levels, UV radiation from sunlight further depletes skin collagen. Therefore, daily supplementation of Collasta is an ideal anti-aging choice as hydrolysed marine collagen found in NewLife™ Collasta is highly bioavailable. It can be digested and absorbed easily. Regular intake can help combat visible signs of skin aging including dullness, dryness, wrinkles and sagginess.
Nature’s Gift Vitamin C Complex makes perfect sense in building strong immune system as compromised immune system has been linked to premature ageing. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids found in lemon, rutin, hesperidin, acerola and rose hips have most notable effect in reducing oxidative stress. Vitamin C, along with the powerful antioxidant punch, helps strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C also supports the efficient absorption of collagen. Those who are taking Collasta may need additional Vitamin C Complex and vice versa as a combination of antioxidants that work in tandem is more efficacious than large dose of a single antioxidant.
NewLife™ Omega Gold Flax Seed Oil, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, offers many health benefits. It can assist in relieving symptoms of arthritis and also counteracts hormonal imbalance. Omega-3 fatty acids create responsive, healthy and flexible cells membranes, allowing hormones to adhere to the cells more easily. It also keeps the cellular receptor sites (place where hormones bind) repaired and ensure they function optimally.
Nature’s Gift Coenzyme Q10 – body’s fuel and antioxidant that aid circulation, improve cellular oxygenation and protect the heart, as well as NewLife™ Kelp – minerals supplement, are best taken together for extra anti-aging benefits.
By eating nutritionally, taking supplement, exercising, adopting a healthier lifestyle, being mentally active and having a positive attitude in life, you can defend your body and skin against the ravages of time!