Ways to be young


A lot of people ask me if there's an ultimate way to stay young. My answer to it is Ways to be youngboth 'yes' and 'no'. There is no one thing that you can do, consume or apply that will banish wrinkles, neck bands and age spots forever.

Consult a doctor before starting on a supplement

However, there are health practices which when followed from an early age can help you stay and feel young longer.

The most important practice is to exercise regularly and to eat a balanced, healthy diet. On a daily basis consume:

* 3 cups of skimmed milk.

* 2-3 bowls of vegetables.

* 2-3 fresh fruits (seasonal fruits will do).

In addition, one can take supplements under the supervision of a doctor. Most beauty supplements have a cocktail of anti-oxidants, herbal extracts and enzymes. Read this 2-part article to know the positive and negative effects of various anti-ageing supplements. Look out for this space next month, too.

Anti-oxidant supplements

As I have mentioned in my columns often, anti-oxidants are chemical compounds Ways to be youngthat fight damage done by free radicals. That's why most beauty supplements contain one or the other antioxidant as an active ingredient. Some commonly used anti-oxidants are beta-carotene, vitamins B6, C, E Coenzyme Q10, and flavanoids.

Vitamin E found in antiageing supplements protects the skin from ageing. Vitamin E acts as a moisturizer and helps to improve the resilience of the skin. Similarly Vitamin C and green tea extract have been found to fight free-radical damage to skin and hair.

Glutathione

It is an amino acid that is found naturally in food and is made by every cell in our body. It is also found in cruciferous vegetables: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and in fruits such as watermelon, and grapefruit. Glutathione levels are boosted by Vitamin C and selenium.




Coenzyme Q 10 also known as CoQ10. It is one of the recent rages in the supplement field. It is-as is clear from its name-an enzyme. It is produced by the body and is also found in fatty fish such as sardines, organ meats such as liver and kidney; it can also be found in spinach, broccoli, Soya and peanuts.

Ginseng

Ginseng is another supplement which may delay ageing or reduce the appearance Ways to be youngof wrinkles and fine lines. It can also boost the immune system and act as an anti-oxidant. It can also up your energy levels.

Caution: People suffering from hypertension or hypoglycemia should avoid this supplement.

Echinacea

It is a plant that can treat a number of infections. It can help boost the immune system.

Caution: It may cause a rash, itching, wheezing and facial swelling, particularly in people with asthma and allergies.

Aloe Vera

Available in the form of a drink. There are indications that it may cause a general feeling of well-being and that it has regenerative and antiageing properties.

Beta carotene

This compound is found in abundance in orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and squash. Beta-carotene has antioxidant properties. It may help in the repair of skin cells.

Caution: Some studies suggest that beta-carotene supplements may increase the chance of lung cancer for smokers.