The Free Radical Theory of Aging
The free radical theory of aging states that ‘free radicals‘ damage the cells in our body as we get older. While antioxidant supplementation has not conclusively shown to produce an extension of lifespan in mammals, it is considered a best practice. It’s almost common sense, isn’t it? – eat nutritious foods from the earth and you’ll be healthier.
What can we do to prevent free radicals?
The free radical theory of aging suggests antioxidants as our main weapon for defeating free radicals. The keyword here is natural and whole foods folks. No microwaved stuff. You should maintain a healthy diet by eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. But you already knew that, right? 
Measuring Antioxidant Capacities
Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) is a method of measuring antioxidant capacities in biological samples in a controlled environment. The higher the ORAC score, the more antioxidants in a food.
| Food | Serving size | Antioxidant capacity per serving size |
|---|---|---|
| Small Red Bean | ½ cup dried beans | 13727 |
| Wild blueberry | 1 cup | 13427 |
| Red kidney bean | ½ cup dried beans | 13259 |
| Pinto bean | ½ cup | 11864 |
| Blueberry | 1 cup (cultivated berries) | 9019 |
| Cranberry | 1 cup (whole berries) | 8983 |
| Artichoke hearts | 1 cup, cooked | 7904 |
| Blackberry | 1 cup (cultivated berries) | 7701 |
| Prune | ½ cup | 7291 |
| Raspberry | 1 cup | 6058 |
| Strawberry | 1 cup | 5938 |
| Red Delicious apple | 1 apple | 5900 |
| Granny Smith apple | 1 apple | 5381 |
| Pecan | 1 oz | 5095 |
| Sweet cherry | 1 cup | 4873 |
| Black plum | 1 plum | 4844 |
| Russet potato | 1, cooked | 4649 |
| Black bean | ½ cup dried beans | 4181 |
| Plum | 1 plum | 4118 |
| Gala apple | 1 apple | 3903 |
Nutrition Crash Course
If you don’t know much about nutrition but you would like to get up to speed quickly, check out the basic nutrition videos at NutritionByNatalie.com. Natalie is a dietician who does an amazing job of enlightening the masses to good nutrition. Here is an introduction video, but watch all of her videos on her videos page. If you want to consult with her, check out her nutrition services.
2 Healthy & Easy Recipe Ideas
- Smoothies – how to video
- Steamed Asparagus (its actually really good!) – how to video
Looking for More Advanced Anti Aging Information?
Check out the post I did on Aubrey De Grey’s presentation at TEDGlobal. Aubrey De Grey is one of the worlds leading authorities on the science behind why we age. Don’t miss it!
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Heya! I'm Carry and I'm the person responsible for all the articles you see here. This blog is focused on bringing you news and reviews about the latest products in the anti aging industry, so take a look around and subscribe!
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