Natural Compounds and Products from an Anti-Aging Perspective

Abstract

Aging is a very complex process that is accompanied by a degenerative impairment in many of the major functions of the human body over time. This inevitable process is influenced by hereditary factors, lifestyle, and environmental influences such as xenobiotic pollution, infectious agents, UV radiation, diet-borne toxins, and so on. Many external and internal signs and symptoms are related with the aging process and senescence, including skin dryness and wrinkles, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, etc. Oxidative stress, a consequence of the imbalance between pro- and antioxidants, is one of the main provoking factors causing aging-related damages and concerns, due to the generation of highly reactive byproducts such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species during the metabolism, which result in cellular damage and apoptosis. Antioxidants can prevent these processes and extend healthy longevity due to the ability to inhibit the formation of free radicals or interrupt their propagation, thereby lowering the level of oxidative stress. This review focuses on supporting the antioxidant system of the organism by balancing the diet through the consumption of the necessary amount of natural ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), essential amino acids, probiotics, plants’ fibers, nutritional supplements, polyphenols, some phytoextracts, and drinking water.

Nutrition Strategies Promoting Healthy Aging: From Improvement of Cardiovascular and Brain Health to Prevention of Age-Associated Diseases

“…Cocoa flavanols present in dark chocolate, soy isoflavones, beetroot juice, garlic, organ meat, leafy greens, citrus, pomegranate, nuts and seeds, and watermelon have been implicated in improvement of NO-mediated vasodilation [ 199 ]. By drinking beetroot juice, the high content of nitrates (NO 3 ) is partially absorbed into blood through intestinal mucosa and converted to nitrite (NO 2 ) through a non-enzymatic process.…”

The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions

“…Several health concerns affecting seniors are mediated by oxidative stress and imbalances between pro-oxidants, such as ROS, and antioxidants, including the oxidation of blood lipids (cholesterol and triglyceride), increasing the risk of heart disease, pain, and stiffness in joints, cognitive decline, including mental awareness, information handling, and memory [ 13 ]. Research continues to validate the most effective ways to help reduce oxidative stress [ 2 , 80 ].…”

“…From a biological point of view, aging involves accumulating oxidative damage in cells and tissues. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, along with a balanced and nutritious diet, is linked to healthy aging and prolonged periods of better health [ 2 ]. As a result, there is a growing need for healthy items that are appropriate for the elderly population.…”

“…Natural compounds can display therapeutic effects against various chronic conditions, from inflammation to cancer [ 1 , 2 ]. Nutraceuticals are food components that have both nutritional and medicinal properties, and have been used since 1980 as an essential part of complete wellness and health [ 3 , 4 ].…”

“…Nutraceuticals are food components that have both nutritional and medicinal properties, and have been used since 1980 as an essential part of complete wellness and health [ 3 , 4 ]. Nutraceuticals can be extracted from plants, fungi, bacteria, or animal products, then concentrated and administered in a suitable pharmaceutical dosage form to prevent or treat some human pathological conditions [ 2 ].…”