EATING or consuming anti-oxidant-rich foods can actually help delay signs of aging.

?Our cells use antioxidants to work against the effects of harmful environmental factors and free radicals that evade our body?s defenses and can cause internal breakdown and cellular aging,? says Dr. Miguel A. Ramos Jr., director of the Geriatric Center, St. Luke?s Medical Center and the president of the Philippine Society of Geriatric Medicine.

Foods rich in antioxidant include fruits, vegetables, nuts, certain meat products and coffee. A study done at the University of Scranton showed that these foods are the No. 1 sources of antioxidants in the US diet.

Ramos says that while the body requires oxygen, it can also cause harm through the natural process called oxidation. Oxidation is said to be the primary catalyst for much of the damage associated with aging.

Aside from the body?s natural way of acquiring free radicals, these molecules can also be obtained through exposure to harmful environmental factors.

Other studies also say that antioxidants help prevent the effects of free radicals such as the development of many diseases and visible signs of aging.

Ramos says the body produces natural antioxidants like glutathione peroxidase and catalase. But as a person gets older, he produces fewer antioxidants. This is why some health experts advise adding antioxidants to the diet.

Coffee, meanwhile, is famous for its polyphenolic antioxidants. Ra-mos says coffee reportedly contains thousands of various antioxidant compounds. While antioxidants help delay aging, Ramos clarifies that people cannot solely rely on consuming antioxidant-laden foods to feel and look young. To stay youthful inside out, people are still advised to lead a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, proper exercise and having the proper diet.