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How Melatonin Can Help Fight Aging

By: Brian Z. Barrett

Read More About Anti-Aging

Melatonin is a substance produced by the body, which aids in sleeping. It is only produced during the hours of darkness - during daylight, another substance is produced. Melatonin can also be sourced from some foods like onions, cherries and bananas, some cereals and herbs and in red wine.

Studies have shown that when melatonin is taken, oxidative damage is neutralized and the neurodegenerative process of aging is delayed. While these studies were performed on mice, scientists believe that the same holds true for humans. In these studies, it was proven that aging in animal tissues was due the oxidative damage (caused by free radical activity) that resulted in inflammatory reactions.

The small amount of melatonin administered to the mice was seen to prevent a great deal of oxidative damage and delay its effect, plus having a positive affect on other aging related causes, thus increasing the lifespan of the mice. Professor Acuna Castroviejo from the University of Granada declares that additional melatonin in humans over the age of 30 could certainly delay the onset of age-related diseases and considerably slow down the aging process.

While it might be supposed that since the pineal gland produces melatonin there would be no need for supplementation, it must be remembered that it is only produced during the hours that the body actually spends in darkness. Dim light such as streetlights penetrating the bedroom window and even the time spent under artificial light actually decreases the amount of melatonin made by the body.

When there is less melatonin in the body than there should be, some of the most dangerous free radicals are left free to do their damage. While many antioxidants are limited to certain parts of the body, melatonin can work as a free radical scavenger in all parts of the body - cells, blood and brain. This is what makes it such a powerful ally in the anti aging battle.

As we age, our bodies produce less melatonin - just when we really need it most. Melatonin has been seen to help those people suffering from Parkinson?s and Alzheimer?s disease; it also gives protection from the ravages of stroke as it helps to protect the brain tissue from cell damage and death and lessens behavioral deficits. At least, this is what happened when given to animals that had suffered a stroke. Experts see no reason why the same benefits would not apply to humans.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

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