Herbs for anti-ageing

Free radicals are short-lived, incomplete molecules formed by the body during its metabolism. They are highly reactive, posing a threat to cell structures and are thought to accelerate the ageing process.
The body protects itself by ‘neutralising’ these free radicals with antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. In fact, we owe the health benefits of fruits and vegetables to their antioxidant content, especially the group known as ‘flavonoids’.   Herbs which are rich
sources of flavonoids can be used to augment your diet and boost its antioxidant potential. 

Ginkgo Biloba

This herb contains flavonoids which help to increase blood circulation and to protect nerve cells against damage caused by free radicals. An extract of ginkgo biloba is the most well-established herbal treatment for dementia of all types, as has been shown in numerous high-quality clinical studies. One of the largest was a 1997 US trial that enrolled more than 300 elderly participants with dementia.¹ In addition to improving mental performance, ginkgo also reduced apathy, anxiety, irritability, depression and insomnia.
 

Pycnogenol

 
Derived from the bark of the French maritime pine, Pycnogenol has exceptional antioxidant properties and has found use as a remedy for a wide range of conditions.
The evidence is strongest for the extract’s ameliorating effect on symptoms of ‘heavy legs’ and for reducing tissue swelling after surgery.  Smaller studies show health benefits for such diverse conditions as easy bruising, deep-vein thrombosis and
gum disease.  There is evidence from preliminary experiments that pycnogenol may protect and strengthen collagen and elastin.
 

Green tea

Green tea contains high levels of flavonoids called ‘catechins’, known from studies to possess strong antioxidant and antibiotic properties.
Human studies now also show that green tea helps to reduce free radical damage to DNA² and a number of risk factors associated with heart disease.^{3, 4}
In addition, new evidence points to improved use of insulin⁵, indicating a potential new role of green tea for aiding glucose control.

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