Let’s talk about vitamins that can boost longevity!
Although aging is inevitable, most of us want to prolong our youthfulness for as long as possible.
But let’s get the record straight. There’s no magical supplement that will stop you from aging. However, you can make lifestyle and dietary changes to slow certain aging processes and reduce your chance of developing age-related diseases.
Exercising regularly, following a nutrient-dense diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use are the best ways to support healthy aging and slow down the effects of aging on your body.
Furthermore, scientists have identified numerous minerals and vitamins that can boost longevity and may help prevent age-related diseases.
Because our body’s ability to absorb nutrients decreases as we age, it turns out that supplements may help some people increase their longevity in certain ways if taken judiciously. However, experts say that you shouldn’t take things without knowing what your body needs, so make sure you talk to your doctor and do some blood tests to see which nutrients your body needs.
Without further ado, here are 10 vitamins that can boost longevity!
1. Vitamin D
The supplement is taken by a long list of longevity and aging experts, including the biohacker Bryan Johnson and the immunologist Anthony Fauci. Vitamin D is vital for our bone density, helping the body convert calcium into strength. It also boosts the health of the muscles and teeth and strengthens the immune system.
We typically absorb most of our vitamin D from the sun, so many people choose to take supplements of this nutrient during the winter months when they aren’t getting as many rays outside.
There are two types of vitamin D: vitamin D (found in yeast and plants) and vitamin D3 (found in animals). While this is one of the vitamins that can boost longevity and fight aging, experts warn that taking too much vitamin D for a long period can result in excessive calcium buildup in the body, which can impair kidney and heart function.
2. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant produced by the human body. Similar to other nutrients, CoQ10 levels diminish with age,and they have also been observed to decrease in individuals suffering from diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, as well as those using cholesterol-lowering medications.
As one of the vitamins that can boost longevity, coenzyme Q10 has been shown to improve certain health aspects in older individuals. For example, a four-year study in 440 older participants demonstrated that supplementing with CoQ10 and selenium enhanced overall quality of life, reduced hospital visits, and slowed mental and physical deterioration.
According to experts, CoQ10 supplements may work by mitigating oxidative stress, a condition characterized by a buildup of free radicals that speeds up the aging process and the onset of age-related diseases.
Moreover, these supplements may benefit cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, reducing stiffness in your arteries, and preventing the accumulation of oxidized cholesterol in your arteries.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, works as a powerful and vital antioxidant in your body, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage. In addition, it plays important roles in inflammation regulation, immune function, and many other processes that are crucial to healthy aging.
As one of the best vitamins that can boost longevity, vitamin C has been shown to stimulate collagen production, improve skin hydration, and safeguard against premature aging and wrinkle development due to sun exposure.
Moreover, the research suggests that taking vitamin C supplements improves immune function in older adults. Because they have a high risk of deficient or suboptimal vitamin C levels compared to middle-aged or younger adults, health experts recommend taking supplements, but only after talking to a doctor. Here’s a supplement your doctor may be OK with.
4. Fisetin
Moving forward with vitamins that can boost longevity, fisetin also earns a spot on this list because of its impressive health benefits. This chemical compound is naturally occurring in brightly-hued strawberries, apples, onions, and persimmons and is a great inflammation fighter that may help eliminate old, toxic cells that accumulate as we age.
Some studies suggest that fisetin may reduce the number of senescent cells, which are basically old, worn-out cells that stop multiplying. This may eventually protect against brain aging and extend the lifespan.
Some aging researchers are excited about the potential of his compound to improve conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s and arthritis.
Read on to discover other vitamins that can boost longevity!
5. Magnesium
Magnesium is a kind of wonder mineral for the body, with some experts saying it’s one of the vitamins that can boost longevity. As a vital component for the body’s functions and metabolism, it helps in protein synthesis and energy generation. It’s also required for adequate nerve and muscle function as well as the maintenance of normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Despite its importance, studies have shown that nearly 50% of people in the US are deficient in magnesium. People who have a magnesium deficiency are more likely to develop symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, muscular discomfort, numbness, an irregular heartbeat, and seizures. They are also at risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, arrhythmias, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamins that can boost longevity, like magnesium, can be found in many foods, but if you don’t have a diverse diet, you may risk developing a deficiency, so it’s important to know when this happens so you can start taking supplements. Talk to your doctor about the matter, and they will ask you to do some blood tests.
6. Lycopene
Lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant found in pink and red fruits such as watermelons, tomatoes, and pink grapefruits. It’s beneficial to the heart, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as reducing the risk of prostate disease. It has also been shown to be one of the best vitamins that can boost longevity.
But that’s not all; according to experts, lycopene also prevents the oxidative damage of DNA, proteins, and lipids. Furthermore, due to its ability to lower cholesterol levels, it has been shown to maintain the health of the inner lining of blood vessels.
Similar to other vitamins that can boost longevity, lycopene helps protect the retina and the skin from sun damage and aging, as well as reducing the risk of diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.
7. NAD+ boosters, such as NR
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a vital enzyme that our body uses to create energy. It can help keep DNA repaired, improve immune function and metabolism, and maintain tissue health.
Both nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are precursors to the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and they have become popular antiaging supplements.
Their levels decline with age, which may be linked to the onset of age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and accelerated physical decline. Additionally, some studies suggest that the NAD+ precursors NMN and NR help restore age-associated cellular changes, but more research on the matter is needed.
Similar to other vitamins that can boost longevity, it’s important to know that NAD+ supplements can interact with other medications you may be taking, so it’s best to avoid taking any if you haven’t talked to your doctor yet.
8. Resveratrol
You’ve probably heard the expression “to age like a fine wine.” Well, it’s not just for wine lovers anymore! Experts have found that a compound called resveratrol, found in grapes, may promote longevity by activating certain enzymes called sirtuins.
The compound, which is a polyphenol antioxidant, is also found in peanuts, berries, and red wine. According to recent studies, it can help fight oxidizing free radicals that can damage everything from your skin to your heart at the cellular level.
Interestingly, resveratrol has been shown to make your body simulate the health benefits of a calorie-restricted diet. These difficult-to-keep-on dietary regimens have demonstrated results in supporting lifespan, and an effective resveratrol supplement can help you achieve comparable results without counting calories.
It’s important to choose a supplement that delivers the biologically active form of this antioxidant, which is called trans-resveratrol. However, as with other vitamins that can boost longevity, don’t forget to speak to your doctor so they can give you the thumb to start taking the supplement. It’s important to do that because resveratrol can negatively interact with certain conditions you may have or medications you may be on.
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