Responding to Man’s never ending quest for longevity, scientists have found that these supplements may be the answer to help make ageing a little less burdensome.

Text: Shereen Jegtvig

Longevity and health begin with choosing a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthful diet plus physical activity and mental exercise. Of course even the healthiest lifestyle can use some extra help. There are also genetic factors that predispose one to diseases not within one’s control. Some may recall that James Fixx, a fitness guru who revolutionized running in the 1970s died of a heart attack. But to accept as fate what is unseen is being unnecessarily fatalistic. So to age gracefully, you may wish to add these additional dietary supplements. Why? Most of them are antioxidants, which prevent damages by free radicals from exposure to the sun, pollution, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and from unhealthy foods. It was found that combining antioxidants with natural anti-inflammatory agents and flavonoids reduces your risk of serious diseases, eases chronic pain and helps to keep you looking young.

Vitamin C
The importance of this vitamin is well known. Vitamin C protects you as you age because it is an antioxidant and is a crucial part of a strong immune system. Vitamin C is also necessary for production of the connective tissue under your skin. Strong connective tissue means fewer wrinkles. Recommended dosage: 500 mg/day

Vitamin E
Take vitamin E for a healthy heart and good circulation. Research suggests that vitamin E is a very important nutrient for men’s health and may help to prevent prostate cancer. Vitamin E will also prevent cataracts, lung diseases, and liver damage. Recommended dosage: 400 IU/day

Fish Oil
The omega 3 essential fatty acids in fish oil keep you healthy in many ways. You can prevent atherosclerosis and keep your cholesterol levels healthy with fish oil supplements. Research shows that fish oil helps regulate heart rhythm and reduces hypertension. Many experts agree that fish oil also reduces inflammation, improves your mood, keeps your skin healthy and even prevents dry eyes. Recommended dosage: 2500 mg/day

Alpha Lipoic Acid
Nutrition experts know that this supplement forms a powerful antioxidant trio with vitamins C and E. Alpha lipoic acid also protects your body from damage due to diabetes. Alpha lipoic acid is crucial for the formation of glutathione, which is one of your body’s natural detoxifiers. Glutathione levels decrease with age, but taking alpha lipoic acid keeps those levels high. Recommended dosage: 75 mg/day

Lutein
Are you concerned about your vision? Lutein slows down the effects of macular degeneration, which is the main cause of blindness in older people. This relative of beta-carotene is essential for normal vision and protects your eyes from cataracts and glaucoma. Recommended dosage: 5 mg/day

Coenzyme Q10
If you wish for more energy, try CoEnzyme Q10. This enzyme is found naturally in your body, but like glutathione, the levels of CoEnzyme Q10 get lower as you age. You will also protect your heart, bolster your immune system, maintain healthy blood pressure and increase your physical endurance when you take this powerful supplement. Recommended dosage: 50 mg/day

Resveratrol
Grapeskin contains resveratrol, which is a substance that triggers cells to repair damaged DNA. Take resveratrol supplements to reduce your risk of blood clots and to protect yourself from Alzheimer’s disease. A recent research has shown that resveratrol may be a powerful weight loss aid. Recommended dosage: 20 gm/day

Vinpocetine
Doctors in Europe use vinpocetine as a medication for the recovery of strokes. Vinpocetine enhances blood flow and glucose uptake in your brain, which improves cognitive function. This is a great supplement for keeping your mind sharp as you grow older. Recommended dosage: 15 mg/day

Quercetin
Fruit and vegetable pigments contain many natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents called flavonoids. Quercetin is one of those flavonoids found in red grapes, onions and apple skins. Perfect for allergy sufferers, quercetin is a natural anti-histamine. Are you physically active? Quercetin protects your cardiovascular system, boosts your energy levels and improves recovery time after exercise. Recommended dosage: 250 mg/day

Lycopene
Found in the red pigments of tomatoes, lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that keeps you looking young by protecting your skin from sun damage. Take lycopene to reduce your risk of some cancers including prostate cancer. It is also good for your heart because it prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Recommended dosage: 40 mg/day

The wise choice of any of these dietary supplements will improve your health and the quality of life even as the years roll by too fast for your liking.