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Vitamins are organic substances required by the body in minute quantities for carrying out various body functions in an organized manner. There are hundreds of biochemical reactions taking place in the body round the clock. There are several roles that vitamins play such as increasing the body’s immunity, fighting disease and infection, developing antibodies and promoting overall longevity. Antiaging vitamins are those vitamins that reduce the process of ageing by fighting various factors that result in accelerating premature ageing. Deficiency of a vitamin can also lead to ageing. The most prominent vitamins that fight ageing are vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C and B complex vitamins.
Factors responsible for Ageing
Free radicals: These are the harmful substances present in the environment that have a damaging impact on the body. Free radicals attack the immune system leading to the development of a number of diseases such as cancer, bronchitis, coronary heart disease, asthma etc. Free radicals are present in the environment around us. They include pollution, ultra violet radiation, exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke.
Natural factors of ageing: As a person grows, he tends to age with time. There are a number of problems that arise with ageing such as the body’s reduced capacity to absorb nutrients, development of various diseases such as heart disease, osteoporosis, weakening of the gums etc.
Drug reaction: This is a condition which leads to the ageing process due to the consumption of certain drugs, supplements, steroids etc. which result in sagging of the skin, development of wrinkles, alopecia, weakening of the bones etc.
Role of Anti Ageing Vitamins in the body
Vitamin K – There are two natural forms of vitamin K known as vitamin K I & vitamin K II. The former form has been derived from vegetable and animal sources and the latter has been extracted by the function of bacterial flora and found in the hepatic tissue. It is required for the purpose of coagulation of blood in the body. It is found in bones and helps in the metabolism of proteins. Vitamin K is a great anti ageing solution. It coagulates blood and accumulates in the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys and in the blood. It has a wide spectrum of health applications than most other vitamins for reversing the process of ageing. One of the reasons for ageing can be attributed to inflammation that is known to cause heart disease, mobility impairment, dementia, cancer etc. Vitamin K helps fight the ageing process as it increases the production of anti ageing hormones and combats ageing factors such as arthritis, small intestine disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diseases of the blood vessels etc. Food sources of vitamin K include ground beef, coffee, pears, liver, meal, butter, margarine, olive oil, soybean oil etc. Vitamin K play’s an active role in fighting arteriosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries.
Vitamin – E: It acts a chain breaking anti oxidant and is an efficient pyroxil radical scavenger, which protects low – density lipoproteins (LDS) and poly unsaturated facts in membranes from oxidation. A network of other anti oxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione and enzymes maintains vitamin E in a reduced state. Vitamin E is the most widely marketed anti- ageing vitamin. It is used in a number of skin creams and beauty products. It helps protect the skin from the effects of free radicals in the environment. Creams containing vitamin E are known to decrease the ageing effects in women. It protects the cell membranes and prevents the damage imposed by environmental factors to enzymes associated with them. Studies have also shown that applying vitamin E on the skin can fight the effects of the UV radiation of the sun that adds to ageing. Vitamin E increases the elasticity of the skin and protects it from wrinkle development.
Vitamin – C: It is also known as ascorbic acid and can be obtained from citrus fruits, green vegetable, tomatoes, potatoes, oranges and pineapples. Almost 40% of Americans take vitamin C as dietary supplements to reduce the harmful effects of smoking, hemodlaysis, stress, infection, city pollution, sun exposure and protection from common colds.
Antiaging vitamins are being supplemented by a large number of people to delay the process of aging. They are used in a variety of cosmetics and benefit the human body tremendously.
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