Page 52 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL4

ELITE HEALTHIntake of antioxidants such as basic vitamins C and E will reduce muscle pain and incidence of sprains and strains from exercisecomplex reduces levels of homocys- teine and keeps the heart and blood vessels in good condition, thus minimizing some heart health risk factors.Maintaining cognitive performance is a common concern of older people. Cognitive function affects our ability to continue an independent, high quality of life and has an impact on memory, which helps us process the complexities of daily social activities that are an essential part of our lives. As mentioned, vitamin B complex is important for seniors to preserve cognitive performance. Research reveals that a deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to a decline in mental faculties, and vitamin B6 contributes to the maintenance of cognitive function, particularly in the elderly.“Forever young” is the dream of many. The results of various studies (meta analysis) from the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2010 were collected in an analysis of 3,200 patients who took a daily multivitamin tablet for a month and then underwent memory testing. It found that immediate free recall memory improved, as well as speaking fluency. The biological age of those who took multivitamins was also found to be lower than in those who did not.More research will be conducted and released on the benefits of taking vitamin supplements in varying quantities. It is advised, however, to take any nutrients with caution. Vitamins should be complemented with regular exercise, eating healthy food and drinking sufficient water. The most important element is to take good care of spirit and soul. Pursuing a healthy lifestyle and taking quantities of vitamins as recommended by experts can help improve our quality of life.healthy cells are linked to the so-called telomerase shortening mechanism, which limits cells to a fixed number of divisions. Telomere length may therefore be a marker of biological aging. Multivitamins can affect the telomere length via modulation of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. According to results published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the telomeres of those who take daily multivitamins may be on average 5.1 per cent longer than in those who don’t.For those with an active lifestyle, heavy physical activity can increase the body’s level of oxidative stress, resulting in cell damage and lower body strength. Antioxidants protect the cell from such oxidative stress. Intake of antioxidants such as basic vitamins C and E will reduce muscle pain and incidence of sprains and strains from exercise.In terms of healthy ageing, we need vitamin A for better immunity, vitamin C for antioxidants and many B50 Elite+vitamins, such as B6, B12 and folic acid, for healthy neurological and cognitive function. In a clinical study published in the same journal, researchers found that taking these three B vitamins can reduce the formation of plaques occurring in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, thus delaying onset of the disease.Vitamin D gets particular attention because ageing skin produces less of it, and older people are more likely to spend time indoors. Vitamin D helps preserve mobility and along with calcium can reduce the risk of osteo- porosis. Studies also show that vitamin D reduces incidence of falling and, by improving muscle strength and reducing body sway, the likelihood of fractures. Vitamin D supplements can therefore be very effective later in life for improving general health.Keeping a healthy heart or cardio- vascular system is also important in reducing the risk of age-related illnesses. Besides not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, taking vitamin B