Botanical Extracts for Healthy Aging
Interest in supporting vitality and extending longevity through nutrition is growing. The trend reflects a broader and expanding focus on well-being, including healthier, more natural ingredients and cleaner labels. Studies validating the essential role a well-balanced diet plays in promoting health highlight the need for the following:
- Nutrient-rich foods: Nutrient-dense vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits, and healthy fats provide vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and other bioactive compounds.
- An anti-inflammatory diet: Chronic inflammation is associated with numerous age-related diseases, so an anti-inflammatory diet incorporating foods such as leafy greens, nuts, fatty fish, and berries is vital.
- Plant-based diets: Reduced meat or plant-prioritized diets are gaining popularity. This interest is surging due to the diet’s potential health benefits, including longevity-promoting phytonutrients, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Fasting and calorie-restricted diets: Studies suggest that cutting back on calories and intermittently fasting can improve cellular and metabolic functioning to boost lifespan and good health.
- Gut health: Often referred to as a second “brain,” gut microbiota plays an increasingly well-understood and essential part of overall well-being. Adequate presence of pre-and probiotics may significantly impact vitality and longevity.
- Personalized nutrition: Thanks to genetic testing and individualized medicine advances, customized dietary recommendations are an optimization vehicle for preserving and boosting health and lifespan.
- Functional foods, nutraceuticals, and botanicals: Supplements and foods offering health benefits beyond essential nutrition are a growing market in the antiaging sphere. Functional nutrition options include omega-3 fatty acids and botanicals such as green tea and turmeric.
Beyond genetics and attention to diet, lifestyle factors such as exercise, good sleep quality and quantity, and stress management are crucial. Hence, any approach must be holistic, incorporating all elements of an individual’s physical and mental environment.
What Are Botanicals?
A recommended feature of healthy antiaging diets is plant botanical extracts, providing concentrated therapeutic benefits. This type of functional food has been relied on for centuries, with bioactives offering various potential health benefits. Always check with your medical professional before including botanicals, particularly if taking chronic medication, pregnant, or nursing.
Botanicals for healthy aging include immune-active compounds, such as echinacea, which strengthens and tones immune functions. They also encompass antioxidant botanicals, such as green tea, which may help slow aging, maintain cardiovascular functioning, and prevent cancer. Others are adaptogenic, such as ashwagandha, which enables the body to manage stress and reduces anxiety. The list of suggested plant extracts is long, but should include:
- Turmeric: This spice and its active component, curcumin, has long been known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may reduce inflammation while supporting joint health.
- Ginger: Ginger root is typically used for digestive health and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Garlic: The allicin in garlic has long been associated with cholesterol, blood pressure, and cardiovascular benefits, all promoting vitality and longevity.
- Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo is believed to boost blood flow to the brain, helping support cognitive function and memory.
- Milk Thistle: The active component in milk thistle, silymarin, offers potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection, which is particularly beneficial for liver health.
- Resveratrol: Found in grapes and red wine, resveratrol offers antioxidant protection.
- Rhodiola Rosea: Rhodiola helps the body cope with stress and is often used to boost energy and cognitive function.
- New (and ancient) potential: Other extracts (some of which have been used for centuries, others emerging as having potential). These include panax ginseng, bilberry, gotu kola, pine bark extract (pycnogenol), Schisandra berry, astragalus root, maca root extract, and the more familiar spinach, cucumber, and pomegranate.
Additionally, nanotechnology can enhance the bioavailability and bioactivity of botanical extracts. The technology works by reducing phytomedicine particle size, modifying surfaces, and entrapping substances with nano and micro materials.
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Advanced Biotech’s flavor and odor ingredients collection and botanical extracts are 100% natural, pure, and EU and USDA-certified. The portfolio includes distillates, oleoresins, oils, powders, and aromatics. Contact us today to place your order.