Since one of the reasons we age is due to free radical attack, it makes sense to include at least some antioxidants in any anti aging regime. While the body does make some antioxidants, it will help to supply the nutrients it needs to produce even more, especially when the body cannot store those nutrients.

Certain vitamins are water-soluble and are lost from the body when we sweat or pass water. The main one is Vitamin C, but the B complex vitamins are also water-soluble. They are all vital for health, but also for anti aging as they give hair its shine, skin its youthfulness and the body vitality.

While these vitamins can be sourced from fruit and vegetables, they are easily destroyed through storage, cooking and soaking in water. Eating fruit as fresh as possible is recommended, while steaming vegetables reduces vitamin loss. Eating vegetables raw when possible will ensure maximum intake of vitamins. If your diet is inadequate, or you suffer from poor health and get lots of colds, then a nutritional supplement may be necessary.

Other vital vitamins are fat-soluble and so can be stored in the body because they dissolve in the fats and are absorbed into the bloodstream, from whence they can be stored by the liver ready for when we need them. These are the vitamins A, D, E and K.

While the body needs many vitamins and minerals, experts suggest that the top five are: -

? Vitamin C helps to repair all cells of the body, especially the connective tissues and collagen for a more youthful looking skin. It works in conjunction with Vitamin E.
? Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that will protect body and skin against free radical damage.
? Omega 3 to protect against wrinkles and moisturize the skin.
? Selenium helps break down harmful toxins that have accumulated and is also an antioxidant.
? Calcium keeps your bones healthy and strong. As we age our bones will become porous and prone the breakage if we don?t have enough calcium.

If we want to think in terms of the top five things to eat for health and anti-aging, then experts suggest eating: -
? Brightly colored berries which aid in brain health and function;
? Cherries to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis;
? Cruciferous vegetables to remove the aggressive estrogen that causes cancer;
? Nuts as rich source of minerals, and
? Tomatoes that contain cancer fighting nutrients, antioxidants, immune system boosters and skin health nutrients.