Fruit And Vegetable Supplements: How They Can Help You With Aging

supplements pouring out of a mason jar with fruits in the background

Introduction

You must consume vitamins and minerals to live a healthy life. Each essential nutrient must be consumed in a specific amount for your body to function optimally. Most Americans, however, do not consume sufficient amounts of these nutrients each day.

Several factors make it difficult for many individuals to meet their nutritional needs, even in healthy, well-rounded diets. However, most doctors agree that healthy eating habits should not be dismissed. Instead, you should aim to get most of the vitamins and minerals you need from food while supplementing for any nutrients you lack.

Supplements are substances added to the diet to increase nutritional content or lower the risk of health problems such as osteoporosis and arthritis. In addition to pills, capsules, powders, gel capsules, tablets, extracts, and liquids, dietary supplements may also provide vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They may contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids, herbal or other plant extracts, or enzymes. Some dietary supplements contain ingredients used in foods or drinks. It is not necessary to have a prescription for dietary supplements.

Maybe you have wondered whether there is a supplement that can reduce the signs of aging. Despite the appeal of this, it is essential to keep in mind that while some supplements have scientific backing, most have only been tested on animals rather than humans.

It's essential to eat the right foods to support your body as you age. Still, in the following section, you'll also look at the evidence as to whether "anti-aging" supplements have a meaningful impact on factors like skin appearance, brain function, heart health, and chronic illness.

Fruit consumption has dropped over the past six years despite a common refrain among nutrition experts (eat more fruits and vegetables). This is according to the 'Produce for Better Health Foundation's 2020 State of the Plate' report. People over 50, who typically consume the most fruits and vegetables, show the most positive results.

A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables at every age since produce contains fiber and other nutrients crucial to overall health. In addition, numerous nutrients have been shown to prevent or lower the risk of these diseases.

supplements in a bowl surrounded by veggies

Do Anti-Aging Supplements Work?

The first thing we need to understand is how aging works. Our cells age, but premature aging is inevitably caused by many environmental factors – including ultraviolet (UV) rays, poor nutrition, and alcohol – as well as psychological factors like stress. Therefore, a diet high in nutrients, regular exercise, and sunscreen are the best ways to promote healthy aging. You may still be able to look more youthful for longer by taking supplements that protect your skin from those damaging environmental effects.

Antioxidant-containing foods can assist in making your skin look young and healthier, however. Antioxidants fight off free radicals. L-ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C, can be taken orally and topically.

The amount of vitamin C in our diet (along with linoleic acid) helps prevent wrinkles, prevent crepey skin, and help preserve the youthful appearance of our skin. Protects the skin and facilitates the repair and regeneration of tissues. In addition, raspberry leaf extract, vitamin E, and C have anti-aging properties.

Along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, taking certain supplements may help slow down aging and enhance longevity. Several substances have been shown to offer age-supporting properties, including curcumin, collagen, CoQ10, crocin, and vitamin C. However, taking good care of your body with good foods, regular exercise, and a low-stress lifestyle is the best way to remain healthy for many years to come.

Fruit And Vegetable Supplements We Love

  1. Fruits and Veggies - Wholefood Supplement
    $89.95 ($0.50 / Count)

    by Balance of Nature 

    Buy on Amazon

    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    03/06/2024 09:39 am GMT
  2. Liquid Multivitamin for Women, Men, & Kids
    $39.61 ($1.24 / Fl Oz)

    by Mary Ruth's 

    Buy on Amazon

    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    03/06/2024 09:50 am GMT

Do Anti-Aging Supplements Work?

Micronutrients are necessary for good health, so you can take supplements taken in place of a poor diet. In some cases, they can help meet your daily nutritional requirements or provide more concentrated amounts of nutrients than you can get from food alone.

People claim that dietary supplements can prevent aging, and hundreds of them are available for purchase. The truth is that many of these supplements do not have much research backing them up. There isn't enough research on some popular "anti-aging" supplements to determine if they have the same effect on humans.

Generally, researchers have found that certain supplements appear to be more effective than others. However, these benefits are relevant only for people suffering from a known deficiency of these vitamins. 

Best Anti-Aging Fruit & Vegetable Supplements

Supplements can play a more significant role in fighting aging if you don't get enough nutrients from your diet. This article is valuable to you. It's possible to take too much of a vitamin, especially when fortified foods are combined with supplements that provide high levels of nutrients. Especially water-soluble vitamins, which may cause stomach problems, and too much of one vitamin or nutrient can even interfere with or block the absorption of another.

veggie supplements in a basket

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

Green tea contains EGCG, a polyphenol compound that improves mitochondrial function and supports healthy aging. Additionally, green tea consumption is associated with a lower risk of health problems. Green tea may also have anti-aging benefits and protect against aging-related diseases.

In addition to restoring mitochondrial function in cells, EGCG is believed to stimulate aging-related pathways. For example, the drug induces autophagy, removing damaged cellular material from your body.

Also, green tea consumption may be associated with reductions in hyperpigmentation due to ultraviolet light and increased protection from skin aging. Moreover, one study suggests that drinking green tea regularly could prevent the aging of brain cells and reduce stress. The EGCG found in green tea and in green tea extract supplements can be consumed in your diet.

It has been widely researched that EGCG is the most potent catechin; however, other types, such as epicatechin, epigallocatechin, and epicatechin 3-gallate, also provide similar benefits. They're also available on a broader range of foods than previously mentioned. The most prominent role of EGCG is as a primary active compound in green tea. Drinking green tea is often credited with providing numerous health benefits due to its high levels of EGCG.

Crocin

The many spices commonly used in Indian and Spanish cooking are saffron, a yellow carotenoid pigment.

Human and animal studies have demonstrated that crocin has many health benefits, including cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and diabetes treatment effects. Additionally, it may protect against the effects of aging on the brain.

Test-tube and rodent studies have shown that crocin can help prevent neurodegenerative disorders associated with aging by inhibiting the production of one of the main contributors to aging, advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

When treated with Crocin, human skin cells are also protected from UV damage and inflammation. In light of the high cost of saffron as the world's most expensive spice, you might be able to save money by taking a concentrated saffron supplement.

woman taking a supplement with a glass of water

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

It is a type of antioxidant produced in your body called coenzyme Q10. As an essential component of cellular energy production, it protects cells from damage. It has proven beneficial in improving some aspects of health in older individuals.

Studies have shown that supplementing with CoQ10 and selenium improves overall health, reduces hospital visits, and slows the progression of physical and mental decline in older people. In addition, it is thought that CoQ10 supplements work by reducing oxidative stress, a phenomenon marked by the accumulation of free radicals and the acceleration of aging processes.

Further, CoQ10 supplements may help reduce stiffness in your arteries, which may benefit your heart health. CoQ10 is a natural substance that your body makes and stores in your cells' mitochondria.

Producing energy is the responsibility of mitochondria. As well as preventing oxidative damage, they defend cells against bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Unfortunately, as you age, your body's production of CoQ10 decreases. Older adults, therefore, seem to lack this compound.

Green Blends

Juices and smoothies can be made healthier by adding a green blend powder. In addition, you may benefit from their high antioxidant content as you age, which may help prevent damage to your cells and ailments.

Various green blends are available, but most contain green plants, vegetables, and algae, like spirulina and chlorella.

It has been suggested that spirulina inhibits sun damage and can protect against skin aging and that chlorella helps reduce muscle degeneration and cell deterioration. Nevertheless, these results are derived from either lab or rodent studies. Despite showing promise, there is no concrete evidence that they will have similar effects on people.

green blend powder in a wooden bowl

Collagen

Consume collagen supplements by mixing powders or capsules into beverages. Collagen makes up around 90% of its weight in the human body. However, collagen supplements can be a great help in efficiently reducing skin aging signs.

Most of these supplements are available in powder form, but some are also in capsule form. There are various types of collagen in supplements – some contain up to five different styles, while others control one or two. In addition, a variety of foods, including pork skin and bone broth, may naturally increase your collagen intake.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a review of studies conducted on collagen supplements in 2020 that found they reduced wrinkle appearance, hydrated the skin, and preserved skin elasticity. The body produces this protein, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. However, women can lose collagen as early as their twenties and even as young as 18.

Amino Acids

Proteins are built from amino acids, responsible for building and supporting your body. Research into amino acids and aging is still in its infancy and is confined to animal and laboratory studies. There is no conclusive evidence to support these theories thus far.

Rodents that were given amino acids like glycine lived longer, for example, when given supplements. Another nutrient, tryptophan, stimulated anti-aging mechanisms but also harmed their brains. Studies have been conducted on amino acids related to blood sugar, type 2 diabetes, cell aging, and erectile dysfunction. Nevertheless, that's still a long way from proving they will benefit people.

collagen powder with a spoon on a pink background

Why Get Anti-Aging Fruit & Vegetable Supplements?

Minerals and vitamins are essential to the growth and development of the human body. Even though most people get everything they need from a healthy diet, others have a nutritional boost from supplements. However, fruit and vegetable supplements provide you with the necessary support to stay healthy – they help your body maintain a healthy functioning level.

Supplements or drugs can be used as part of a workout regimen to improve muscle growth, muscle recovery, workout intensity, muscle endurance, and weight management. Here are some of the most highlighted reasons to include fruits and vegetable supplements in their diet.

Fruit And Vegetable Supplements We Love

  1. Fruits and Veggies - Wholefood Supplement
    $89.95 ($0.50 / Count)

    by Balance of Nature 

    Buy on Amazon

    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    03/06/2024 09:39 am GMT
  2. Liquid Multivitamin for Women, Men, & Kids
    $39.61 ($1.24 / Fl Oz)

    by Mary Ruth's 

    Buy on Amazon

    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    03/06/2024 09:50 am GMT

Overcome Diet Restrictions

Due to your busy schedules, office work, and university studies, you may not be able to obtain the average nutritional value of your diet. The majority of people believe that consuming fruits and vegetables is not good. But, they fail to realize that this leads to them being lazy and less energetic than they should be. Therefore, whenever you omit particular food groups, you need to be aware of nutrients that may be lacking in your diet.

With specific diets like vegan, paleo, or keto—or having to cut out certain food groups like gluten or dairy due to allergies or intolerances—you run a greater risk of not getting certain nutrients.

Vegetarians and vegans should be cautious about getting adequate B12, iron, zinc, and iodine. Diets such as paleo and dairy-free may also require extra calcium and vitamin D, as dairy products make meeting the requirements for both nutrients easier. A grain is a great source of B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium.

Lack of Nutrients in Your Diet

You will find that your food isn't as nutrient-dense as it once was, regardless of which diet you follow. Well, this is because, throughout the years, conventional farming has yielded over farmed land in the name of profit. As a result, agricultural practices without proper crop rotation led to soil depletion, affecting our food supply.

Plants absorb various nutrients from the soil, including protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin C. In addition, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, and vitamin E are also absorbed by plants and may also be affected. Farmers must make intentional changes to address such a large-scale problem. You should still consume fruits and vegetables regardless.

woman taking a powder supplement in a glass of water

Stronger Bones

Together with vitamin D, calcium keeps bones strong throughout life. However, as they age, both men and women are at risk of fractures if their bones weaken. The best source of calcium is milk and milk products (without fat or low-fat). Other sources include canned fish with soft bones, dark-green leafy vegetables, and breakfast cereals.

Vitamins Are a Must

Many Americans consume less vitamin D than recommended in their daily diets. Consult your doctor about adding vitamin D-fortified food to your diet, such as vitamin D-fortified milk and milk products, cereals, and fatty fish, or taking a vitamin D supplement.

Another essential vitamin for the body is vitamin B6. The red blood cell is formed with the help of vitamin B6. A variety of foods are fortified with this vitamin, including potatoes, bananas, chicken breasts, and fortified cereals. Also, it enables a healthy lifestyle during your aging.

Your nervous system and red blood cells benefit from vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is just as essential to older adults as other adults, but some older adults have trouble absorbing the vitamin naturally present in food. Taking a B12 supplement or eating fortified cereal can be recommended if you have this problem. Vegetarians and vegans who strictly follow this diet are at risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency since the only natural sources of vitamin B12 are animal products.

Final Thoughts

You can get the nutrients you need by eating a wide range of healthy foods. Nonetheless, some people may not get enough vitamins and minerals from their diet. As a result, they may be advised to take a dietary supplement to compensate for the deficiencies. Make sure you discuss the benefits of B12 supplements with your doctor.

Specific vitamins and minerals are more important to older adults than younger adults. A dietitian or doctor can suggest changing your diet or taking vitamins or minerals.

Research indicates that supplementing large amounts of antioxidants will not prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. In addition, some studies have revealed that large doses of some antioxidants are potentially harmful. So if you're considering taking a dietary supplement, you should consult your doctor first.

Dietary supplements made from herbs are called herbal supplements. Supplements of this type are consumed by mouth, whether in capsules, tablets, powders, or liquids.

Some of these things you may know to include Ginkgo Biloba, ginseng, echinacea, and black cohosh. It's still too early to determine whether herbal supplements can be used to prevent or treat specific health problems. However, researchers are exploring the possibility of using them against particular ailments. Unfortunately, studies have failed to demonstrate that some herbal supplements have health benefits. In addition, there's no guarantee that a supplement is safe due to its natural origins or because it's made from plants.

Was this article helpful?
YesNo