While there’s no such thing as the fountain of youth to help turn back time, there are things we can do to help stop the signs of aging. How we take care of ourselves plays a major factor in the aging process and Eat This, Not That! Health talked to several medical experts who revealed the supplements that help prevent aging. Read on to discover 12 supplements—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

Turmeric is one of the most effective supplements we can take due to the numerous health benefits. In addition, it also helps maintain our skin according to Dr. Alexis Parcells, MD a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of SUNNIE, a skincare and anti-aging clinic, and Parcells Plastic Surgery. “A member of the ginger family, turmeric is an ancient Indian spice that has been found to help shield against a variety of age-related conditions. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. This potent antioxidant is known to combat cellular damage and age-related changes to our skin and bones.” 

Dr. M. Kara of KaraMD® adds, “One of the most well-known ancient herbs that has numerous health benefits is Turmeric. Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. I always say that chronic inflammation is the root of all evil. I say this because not only does inflammation impact how we feel on a day to day basis when it comes to aches and pains but also because many health issues such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s, start with inflammation. Turmeric is believed to affect multiple inflammatory pathways including IL-1beta, TNF,PG pathways, and the COX2 pathways. Boswellia is another powerful anti-inflammatory agent that may affect several inflammatory pathways in particular the COX2 pathway which is probably why it works so well when paired with Turmeric. Along with the anti-inflammatory benefit, Turmeric and Boswellia are also great sources of antioxidants which can help with increased energy, improved memory and concentration, and overall skin health.”

Another supplement that’s helpful in keeping a youthful look is EGCG according to Parcells. “Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), commonly found in green tea, has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers, diabetes, stroke, and heart-disease-related death. Additional benefits include protection against skin aging and wrinkles caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. EGCG can be consumed by drinking green tea or taking concentrated supplements.”

Dr. Kara explains, “You’ve probably never heard of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) before but the good news is that you may already be including it in your health routine. ECGC is a compound commonly found in green tea. Green tea itself has been used for centuries and in ancient medicine. One of the benefits of drinking green tea is weight management. Green tea not only contains caffeine, but the ECGC compound also serves as an important antioxidant. According to recent research, catechin and caffeine can help break down body fat and increase the energy expenditure in the body which in turn helps boost your metabolism along with the weight management benefits, ECGC can also help lower your risk for disease and improve overall brain health because of its antioxidant properties.”

Parcells says, “Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 for short) is an enzyme that functions as an antioxidant. It is naturally produced and is found in every cell of the human body, and is vital in energy production in cells. CoQ10, like other antioxidants, works as skin shields to combat skin aging that we routinely see from UV radiation, infrared radiation, and ozone pollution. CoQ10 has been shown to reduce sun damage by decreasing collagen degradation of skin. It repairs damaged cells and enhances our healthy cells to fight skin damage. It also works to block tyrosinase, which aids in producing melatonin and therefore works to prevent dark spots. Lastly, it stimulates collagen and elastin production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines. CoQ10 works similarly to another powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C.  CoQ10 has shown to use the same pathway to neutralize free radicals and prevent skin damageCoQ10 can be used with Vitamin C and their effects together are more powerful than each alone. It’s available in topical products and as a dietary supplement.” 

Collagen is the main protein found in our skin and as we get older we lose collagen which can then cause wrinkles and saggy skin. 

Parcells explains, “Our bodies naturally produce collagen, and this protein keeps our skin plump and prevents sagging. However, starting in our 20s, we slowly begin to lose collagen.  Most collagen supplements are sourced from animals, including pigs, cows, and fish. It can be sold as a supplement in powders, capsules, and liquids. And it may be applied as a skin cream.  Studies have shown that collagen can increase bone density and improve joint pain.  In regards to skin, taking collagen supplements and applying topical creams for several months has been shown to improve skin elasticity.

Dr. Elliana Rose, a medical doctor specializing in pharmacology, immunology, internal medicine and pediatrics, adds “Collagen is promoted as a fountain of youth for its potential to reduce the appearance of skin aging. It helps maintain skin structure. As you age, collagen production slows, leading to collagen loss in the skin that accelerates signs of aging like wrinkles.”

Parcells reveals, “Sea buckthorn has a long history in TCM [traditional Chinese medicine). It’s loaded with antioxidants and omega-7 fatty acids, so it’s excellent for cellular rejuvenation to stress and fatigue, and skin related changes.”

According to Leah Johnston, RD, a Registered Dietitian at SRW, an independent, full-service agency with a penchant for growing natural health and wellness brands, “L-theanine is an amino acid compound that is found in some mushrooms as well as green and black tea. This supplement may have the power to protect against several signs of aging including improving cognitive function, providing stress relief and better sleep quality. And we all know that the quality of our sleep is essential for glowing skin and energy levels. A 2019 study found that participants who were treated with L-theanine versus a placebo reported greater sleep satisfaction after eight weeks. There’s also evidence that L-theanine can reduce resting heart rate and lessen stress responses to induce a more relaxed state.”

Johnston explains, “Rhodiola Rosea is a flowering plant that may have some anti-aging benefits. This supplement has shown its power to help the body better adapt to stress by reducing symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, mood swings and difficulty concentrating. The calming effects can also have a positive impact on sleep which is vital for body recovery and cell turnover.  An interesting animal study conducted noted a 17% average increase in the lifespan of fruit flies after supplementation with rhodiola rosea powder. More research is needed on the effect of Rhodiola rosea on the lifespan of humans, however, researchers could discover more promising benefits of this plant.”

Vitamin C is known to have several health benefits and help prevent signs of aging, says Jordan Frey, MD. “Vitamin C is a natural immune booster and a necessary ingredient in building collagen in your body. And collagen is the basic building block of everything: bones, cartilage, blood vessels, hair. Maintaining a healthy level of vitamin C can help minimize the effects of aging.”

Folate helps make our bodies make healthy red blood cells and is found in foods such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, chickpeas and kidney beans. Frey says, “Most women know all about the health benefits of folate as it’s a major part of prenatal vitamins. However, men should take this vitamin as well. Folate promotes healthy cell growth and is necessary for red blood cells to function properly.. It also will help healthy hair growth in men and women.”

Frey explains, “Zinc is a natural cofactor for wound healing. That means it helps your body to repair itself more quickly and effectively. This is something that becomes less effective as we age, so daily zinc goes a long way in promoting healthy healing and minimizing the signs and symptoms of aging.”

It’s widely known that fish oil is good for fighting inflammation and boosts brain function, but according to Frey, “fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids including DHA have been associated with improved brain and cognitive function as they play a major role in maintaining the brain’s structure. So, this supplement is especially important in helping prevent cognitive aging.”

Dr. Kara says, “Saffron is a bright red herb that has been used for centuries to help with issues like low libido, depression, and poor cognitive health. One of the compounds found in saffron called crocin, which gives it the bright red color, has numerous health benefits. The first is that crocin is high in antioxidants which are important because they help combat damage at the cellular level from free radicals. Free radical damage can lead to oxidative stress on the body which in turn can lead to skin issues like dullness and wrinkles, increased inflammation, low energy levels, and difficulty with concentration and memory. When it comes to aging, people start to face the above issues, like wrinkled skin or trouble focusing, naturally but by consuming antioxidants they can start to combat those issues at the cellular level which is crucial for overall wellness. Beyond the antioxidant value, some research suggests that crocin may be considered a “natural aphrodisiac”. This means that it can have a positive impact on libido and erectile dysfunction which is another health area that starts to naturally decline as people start to get older.” And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.