Secret anti-aging remedy revealed – and it's in your FRIDGE

The best anti-aging remedy is in your fridge

A DIET full of fruit and vegetables can help reverse the destructive effects of ageing, research suggests.

 

Growing old destroys the immune system, putting the elderly at greater risk of infection and disease. 

But scientists say the damage could be reduced by the healing properties of antioxidants, which are found in a variety of fresh produce. 

Platefuls of vitamin C rich foods like dark leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, kiwi fruit, broccoli, berries and tomatoes protect the thymus gland, a vital immune system organ.

Experts say it is further evidence that the key to a long and healthy life is to load up on your five-a-day. 

In tests, mice given vitamin C and antioxidants used in human medicine experienced significantly less deterioration of the thymus.

For the first time, we have provided a link between antioxidants and normal immune function, opening new avenues for potential treatment strategies that could improve immune defences in the ageing population

Dr Howard Petrie

 

The thymus is a small gland that lies behind the breastbone between the lungs. Its function is to produce  immune system cells that fight diseases like cancer.

The cells are continuously lost and replaced throughout life. But from puberty onwards the thymus loses its ability to generate new ones.

The research published in the scientific journal, Cell Reports, revealed that antioxidants help to protect the thymus from deteriorating.

One of the team from the Scripps Research Institute in California, Dr Howard Petrie, said: “The thymus ages more rapidly than any other tissue in the body, reducing the ability of older individuals to respond to new challenges to their immune system.

“For the first time, we have provided a link between antioxidants and normal immune function, opening new avenues for potential treatment strategies that could improve immune defences in the ageing population.”

Vitamin C is vital for the protection and maintenance of cells. It helps wounds heal and is very important for functioning tissues and organs. 

Adults need around 40 milligrams of vitamin C a day. 

But it cannot be stored in the body, so it needs to come in the form of a regular intake of fruit and vegetables or supplements. 

 

Many non-citrus fruits like papaya, strawberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries and watermelon are also excellent sources of vitamin C.

Dr Ian Campbell, a GP from Nottingham, said: “As our understanding of ageing — and what affects it — grows we can develop strategies for slowing its harmful effects.

“While this might be in the form of medication, it would be better for everyone if it was in the form of sound lifestyle measures.”

 The doctor added: “Once more it has become clear that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, along with an active lifestyle, is one of the keys to a healthy and long life.”