My CartBoost Your Body’s Immune System with over 10,000 ORAC¹
enduring youth™ Super Antioxidant
Our super rich antioxidant blend contains açai, pomegranate, grape seed extract, green tea catechins (EGCG), black currant, grape skin and pulp, and Vitamin C. Tested at over 10,000 ORAC µmoles TE/daily serving, enduring youth™ reduces free radical damage and boosts your immune system
Agebest Basics® enduring youth™ is a convenient, rich blend of anti-aging and antioxidant compound made from an all-natural mixture of fruits, leaves and seeds. This “mixture” is VERY important, in that each individual ingredient supplies a different kind of antioxidant, offering you an umbrella of protection. You need many different types of antioxidants on a daily basis – that is why you are told to eat a mixture of different colored fruits and vegetables every day (each has a different antioxidant profile.)
So what exactly are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances that prevent or reduce oxidation; they reduce damage done to cells by reducing oxidants known as free radicals.
Imagine a cut apple turning brown, or rust attacking a piece of metal – both are examples of “oxidation”. Now imagine the same “type” of damage being done to your body by oxidizing free radicals. enduring youth™ is a powerful ANTI oxidant – that is to say it reduces oxidation (“browning” or “rusting” in our previous examples)
Our antioxidant mixture boosts your body’s immune system by reducing free radical damage. It has a lab-tested ORAC of over 10,000 µmoles TE/daily serving. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, and is a measure of an antioxidant’s capacity to scavenge free radicals – the higher the ORAC value/serving, the better the free radical fighter it is. ORAC testing is the only way to scientifically measure the potency of any phytonutrient substance as an antioxidant. The ORAC measurement method was developed at the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore, Maryland. According to the USDA, studies at the Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (http://www.hnrc.tufts.edu/) in Boston suggest that consuming high-ORAC substances may slow the aging process in the body and brain. These studies by Ronald Prior, Guohua Cao, James Joseph, and Barbara Shukitt-Hale, have led the scientists involved to propose that food antioxidants are not only absorbed, but they actually boost the antioxidant power of the blood. The researchers suggest that a daily intake of between 3,000-5,000 ORAC units has significant impact on plasma and tissue antioxidant capacity.
Don’t get fooled about ORAC values! Lots of companies exaggerate ORAC claims and do not substantiate their testing methods. Daily serving ORAC values over 11,000 should be very closely examined. Is the ORAC claimed on the package or in the ad for ONE daily serving? We’ve seen companies put the ORAC value of a whole bottle (a 30-day supply!) of their product on their package, not just a daily serving as we do. Do you take a whole bottle in one day? Make sure when comparing ORAC values that you are doing so on an “apples to apples” basis, and make sure you have the ORAC value for what really matters – one daily serving!
What makes Agebest Basics® antioxidant and its other products so unique? Why are we different than all those other products out there?
We source, test, and process our OWN plant-based natural ingredients using a proprietary method that isolates, concentrates and dries the active substances in these ingredients so that your body can use them efficiently – this means you take less product per daily serving but get more benefit and pay less money. This makes perfect sense to us, and this is why we started Agebest Basics® – we are not a “me-too” company. Our unique processing methods guarantee uniquely effective products – no one else does what we do.
We NEVER private label anyone else’s ingredients, and we NEVER employ any high-octane sales tactics or “associates” type of marketing schemes. If what we did was all about making money, this is definitely what we would do. Check out some of their websites and you will find much more information about how to become an “associate” and make money than about their products. At Agebest Basics®, we want to help change people’s lives by helping them to feel better. Of course we need to make money to stay in business, but that is not the primary motivating factor behind what we do. We’re small, independent and dedicated, and we’re going to stay that way.
We tell you what you need to know when you need know it – who we are and what our backgrounds are; where our ingredients are sourced from; test results documenting the analyses of these ingredients; the science behind what we do, and the test results from our own research studies.
Free radicals
Free radicals are byproducts of metabolic processes. These waste products are the result of processes as simple as breathing. Free radical development can be influenced by bodily processes, environmental stressors and toxins (such as chemicals, smoke, radiation, heavy metals, polluted air/water, sick buildings), harmful UV light, and immune system deficiencies.
In-vitro (test tube) and animal laboratory studies have shown that inflammation caused by many of the aforementioned factors generates free radical formation and can cause significant tissue, joint, and neural damage.
Technically speaking, free radicals are highly reactive molecules that have at least one negative electrical charge as a result of having one or more un-paired electrons. Because they seek stability by grabbing electrons from other molecules (a process known as “oxidation”), they damage the existing molecules from which they steal electrons. These free radicals tend to cause chain reactions of stealing/replacing electrons, resulting in cell impairment and even cell death. The prime molecules damaged by free radicals are lipids, proteins and DNA. Antioxidants, especially those as strong as our enduring youth™, fight this damage caused by free radicals.
How damaging are free radicals?
Free radical damage to lipids can lead to the oxidation of LDL’s (low density lipoproteins), The so-called “bad cholesterol”. Free radicals can also do damage to blood vessel linings and adversely affect blood flow to vital organs. Free radical damage to proteins may result in glycosylation, an adverse combination of proteins and carbohydrates. Free radical damage to DNA increases with age and can overwhelm cells, leading to impaired cell function and eventual cell death. Free radicals can also mutate parts of DNA, provoking unchecked cell growth. Not only can free radicals mutate cells, they can interfere with “good” cells that help limit abnormal cell growth. In addition, mitochondria, the body’s power plant cells, can also be attacked and thus not be able to provide adequate energy to meet the body’s needs as it ages. Mitochondrial DNA has very few repair mechanisms and as such its membranes can more easily be damaged than other types of DNA.
Many studies link the issues above regarding free radical damage to the aging process. The first, “Free Radical Theory of Aging” was postulated by Denham Harman in 1956 (J Gerontol 1956 11(3); 298-300) and again in 1981 (Proc Nat’l Acad Scifi USA 1981 November, 78(11): 7124-7128). The “DNA Damage Theory of Aging” was first identified as possible in 1959 by physicist Leo Szilard. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 45(1): 30-45) and later argued by HL Gensler and H Bernstein et al (Q Rev Biol 1981 56(3): 279-303).
How do we fight free radical damage and age healthfully? Antioxidants are the obvious first line of defense, as their benefits have been and continue to be researched and well documented.
Antioxidants – what they are and why we need them
Antioxidants are substances that prevent or reduce oxidation; they reduce damage done to cells by reducing oxidants, a.k.a. free radicals. Antioxidants provide significant benefits in fighting the free radical damage and boosting the body’s immune functions.
Antioxidants have many health benefits that include:
- Fighting adverse effects of daily stress by counteracting the negative effects of stress hormone production (epinephrine and norepinephrine – the “fight/flight” hormones).
- Decreasing the incidence of “sticky blood,” or platelet aggregation.
- Promoting normal histamine levels in the body.
- Protecting against degenerative processes in the body that can lead to organ and tissue damage.
- Helping the body maintain normal cholesterol levels.
- Mitigating cell mutation and explosive oxidative chain reactions involving detrimental, damaging mutant cells.
- Boosting the immune system.
Antioxidants are most prevalent in fruits, vegetables and other naturally occurring compounds known as bioflavonoids, which are found in plant material. Bioflavonoids include carotenoids, isoflavones, polyphenols (anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, catechins/epicatechins and quercitin.)
Ingredients
Açai
Regarded as a nutritional powerhouse, açai (Euterpe oleracea) is one of the most complete fruits known to man. It contains large concentrations of antioxidants known as anthocyanins, and as such, helps protect your body at the cellular level.
Mentioned on Oprah by Dr. Nicholas Perricone as his #1 Superfood, açai is “nature’s perfect energy food, packed full of antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.”
Açai grows exclusively in tall palm trees along the flood plains of the Amazon River in Brazil’s rainforest where it has been a staple of the Brazilian diet for many centuries. Brazilians have historically used açai for energy, to ease digestive problems, and to help with certain skin conditions. Brazilians consume açai as an ingredient in beverages, smoothies, sauces/marinades for meat, yogurt, and frozen dessert cups similar to Italian ices or sorbets. Açai is very low in carbohydrates (2% total), whereas most fruits contain over 10% carbohydrates; therefore, açai is a healthy alternative to high sugar fruits and especially fruit juices. It is the size of a small cherry and is made up of a thin layer of deep purple/red flesh that surrounds a large fibrous seed.
Açai contains antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are the red/blue pigments in plants and berries that protect them from UV damage, viruses, bacteria and oxidants. Anthocyanins have been well-researched and have been shown to protect the body at the cellular level, support the immune system, enhance the body’s natural inflammatory response, and support normal cholesterol levels. In addition, açai is an excellent source of essential monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids: omega 6 and omega 9 (similar to the healthy oils found in fish). Açai has 60% oleic acid (omega-9) and 12% linoleic acid (omega-6), both of which have been shown to help the body maintain normal cholesterol levels. Oleic acid facilitates the penetration of healthy omega-3 fish oils through the cell membranes, thus enabling hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors to function efficiently.
Grape and grape seed extract
It is well documented that grape and grape seed (Vitis vinnifera) extracts, also known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC’s), are antioxidant heavyweights.
The California wine country grapes and grape seed extract we use contains OPC’s, natural compounds present in most fruits and vegetables, but particularly in bark, skin and seeds. The antioxidant activities of these proanthocyanidins have been found to be much stronger than Vitamin C and Vitamin E, two well-known antioxidants. As powerful antioxidants, grape and grape seed extract OPC’s boost the immune system and protect the body at the cellular level. In addition, they have been found to support vision health, maintain healthy circulatory and cardiovascular function, enhance the skin’s response to wrinkles, support cartilage and joint function, and promote normal homocycteine levels.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) contains punicalagins, powerful antioxidants that are easily absorbed by the body and boost the immune system while promoting cardiovascular health.
Now cultivated in California as well, pomegranate is native to the Mediterranean Middle East, growing on deciduous fruit-bearing trees. The fruit is mainly inedible, save for the brightly red–colored seed. It is these seeds, whose cover is called an “aril”, that posses all the antioxidant properties associated with this amazing fruit.
Pomegranate has been researched extensively – in addition to boosting the immune system and offering cellular protection, it’s been found to help maintain normal cholesterol level and promote normal heart and cardiovascular function. Recent studies have also shown that pomegranate may be helpful in maintaining normal prostate function, fighting wrinkles, and also be supportive for menopausal women.
Black Currant
Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is a powerful free-radical fighter that has more antioxidant power than blueberries, four times the vitamin C found in oranges and more potassium than bananas.
Black currant is native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia. In France, it is called cassis, just like the liqueur of the same name. In addition to being a rich source of natural Vitamin C, black currant also contains anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that actually give black currants their dark, rich color. In particular, black currants have been found to help maintain normal brain function and improve memory function, ease mild memory problems associated with aging, improve absentmindedness, and help restore mental alertness. They also provide significant support to vision health and support the body’s natural inflammatory response.
Green Tea Catechins (EGCG)
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains one of the highest concentrations of four different polyphenols known as catechins, of which EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). These catechins are rich in antioxidant properties.
Green tea has such far-reaching health benefits that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is doing various studies on the therapeutic uses of green tea. Green tea helps maintain normal cell function and normal cholesterol levels. It also has thermogenic effects associated with proper weight maintenance, and in addition, supports blood health and heart health. It has been shown to ease mild memory problems and absentmindedness associated with the normal aging process. Green tea also helps enhance your body’s natural inflammatory response.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water – soluble vitamin used by the body in many metabolic reactions. It is also a recognized powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage.
Vitamin C cannot be made by the body naturally, and thus must be obtained through foods or supplementation. We add Vitamin C to our enduring youth™ because it enhances the antioxidant response of the other ingredients; there are synergistic antioxidative effects among all of our antioxidant ingredients.
One additional point, since there are companies out there that are trying to promote “all-natural” sources of Vitamin C – according to Supplement Watch (supplementwatch.com), beware of expensive “natural” forms of ascorbic acid, as there is no reliable evidence to show that these forms (such as rose hips or acerola) are any better absorbed or utilized by the body compared to synthetic vitamin C.
Natural products, based on science
Few people realize the depth and breadth of scientific research being done by talented, brilliant scientists and doctors dedicated to improving the quality of our lives. The information Agebest Basics® provides, and the sources we site, are valuable resources in the quest to manage your own health – so you can, it turn, take care of your loved ones’ health.
Our products are sourced from nature and based on medical and nutritional science, and we are proud to prove it!
¹ This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.