Antioxidants are not rescued from aging

Antioxidants are not rescued from aging
Food and cosmetic products with the content of antioxidants does not prevent the aging of the body, say scientists at the University College London.

Free radicals - oxygen molecules that cause an imbalance of electrons with protons - are formed naturally in the body metabolism. These free radicals can cause oxidative processes, similar to rust when iron is exposed to oxygen. Biological systems in our body, usually able to restrict or to heal the damage.

In 1956, Denhem Harman proposed the theory that aging is caused by the accumulation of molecular damage to cells caused by "oxidative stress", with the active oxygen species such as free radicals. For 50 years this theory has dominated research on the causes of aging. However, British experts refute this view: in the experiment, they examined the activity of key genes involved in removing free radicals from the body of the worm with nematodnogo. elegans. Manipulating these genes, experts are able to monitor the ability of cells to limit the potential damage caused by oxidation. It turned out that the worm's life expectancy did not increase due to the protection of tissues and cells against free radicals.

It was concluded that oxidative damage is not the driving force behind the aging and antivozrastnye products with antioxidants are unlikely to be effective to prevent the impending process. "A healthy, balanced diet is very important to reduce the risk of many diseases associated with aging, including cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis," - said Professor David James of the University of California / USA. - "But there is no clear evidence that dietary antioxidants to slow or prevent aging. Even less evidence - against   cosmetics.