Believe it or not, antioxidants found in beverages, plant extracts and herbal supplements may help slow the aging process by preventing oxidative damage in the body. On the strength of this theory, researchers have been looking for antioxidants in many common foods and beverages, and recently they determined that a healthy one is in tea and coffee.
A study published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry B announced the discovery, and though the compounds name may be familiar enough, its inflammation balancing properties are breaking news. A pair of Mexican scientists said that the caffeine found in coffee and tea can help avoid cellular damage caused by free radicals.
When natural chemical reactions occur in the body, certain highly charged ions can be emitted. Called free radicals, these unstable molecules can do damage to nearby genetic material, a process that can degrade cell quality over time. The research group said that while it doesnt yet know how caffeine prevents this process, it may one day be used to support health in the face of certain age-related conditions.
Besides drinking coffee or green tea, individuals who hope to get a full daily dose of antioxidants can take dietary supplements containing additional beneficial nutrients and minerals.