The science behind ageing
AGEING is a natural process that none can escape. After the age of 40, almost all of us struggle to hide our greys or our wrinkled skin. It is another thing that literally nothing works, but our struggle continues — hopping from one seemingly promising cosmetic product to another. Though wary of disappointment, we still give these products a chance.
Nowadays, even the late millennials — the ones in their thirties — are seeing the effects of ageing. When we try to understand the science behind ageing, we come across the revelation that the oxygen necessary for our survival also causes us to age; it is taking us nearer to our end with every breath. Oxygen can break down the very cells that make up our tissues and organs. How? Well, the same way a metal rusts, by a process called oxidation or oxidative stress. The need for energy is something that we all beings have in common. The process of producing energy is called metabolism, which is dependent on the food we eat and the oxygen we inhale. The cells use oxygen to break down food, thereby producing energy. But this process is not 100 per cent efficient. Most of the oxygen is used up in breaking down our food and producing energy, but some of it escapes in the form of free radicals. As the name suggests, free radicals are free — free to create havoc inside our bodies as they act like a packet of lit firecrackers burning the cells. When cells die, ageing begins. But then, what’s the way out?
Oxygen is inevitable, therefore oxidative stress is also unavoidable. The real problem lies with these free radicals roaming in our bodies — these are responsible for breaking down our skin’s collagen, resulting in wrinkling, fine lines and loose skin. The key is to take proper measures to neutralise these free radicals. Here, antioxidants come to our rescue. Antioxidants are compounds in foods that scavenge these free radicals. That is why doctors suggest an antioxidant-rich diet. Whenever the word antioxidant comes to our mind, we instantly think of green tea, thanks to the advertisements popping up on our phone screens now and then. But there are other sources too.
Vitamins A, C and E are some of the well-known antioxidants. Some of these are produced during normal metabolism in the body and some must be supplied in the diet. Many Indian medicinal plants also provide antioxidants, including aloe vera, neem, brahmi, holy basil, turmeric, curry leaf and even onion, garlic and ginger. Not just our diet, incorporating exercise in our routine helps in meeting our body’s antioxidant requirement.
Regular yoga is proven to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes which prevent cellular damage due to free radicals.
We cannot prevent ageing, but can delay it to some extent by improving our lifestyle. So, the next time you frown at your wrinkly skin or your hairline shining and sparkling with silver highlights, just grab a cup of green tea and witness the magic. Just kidding. Surely, you know what to do!