Secrets of Anti-aging remedy revealed

Growing old destroys the immune system, putting the elderly at greater risk of infection and disease.
But scientists say the damage could be reduced by the healing properties of antioxidants, which are found in a variety of fresh produce.
Platefuls of vitamin C rich foods like dark leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, kiwi fruit, broccoli, berries and tomatoes protect the thymus gland, a vital immune system organ.
Experts say it is further evidence that the key to a long and healthy life is to load up on your five-a-day.
In tests, mice given vitamin C and antioxidants used in human medicine experienced significantly less deterioration of the thymus.

For the first time, we have provided a link between antioxidants and normal immune function, opening new avenues for potential treatment strategies that could improve immune defences in the ageing population

Dr Howard Petrie

The thymus is a small gland that lies behind the breastbone between the lungs. Its function is to produce  immune system cells that fight diseases like cancer.
The cells are continuously lost and replaced throughout life. But from puberty onwards the thymus loses its ability to generate new ones.
The research published in the scientific journal, Cell Reports, revealed that antioxidants help to protect the thymus from deteriorating.
One of the team from the Scripps Research Institute in California, Dr Howard Petrie, said: “The thymus ages more rapidly than any other tissue in the body, reducing the ability of older individuals to respond to new challenges to their immune system.
“For the first time, we have provided a link between antioxidants and normal immune function, opening new avenues for potential treatment strategies that could improve immune defences in the ageing population.”
Vitamin C is vital for the protection and maintenance of cells. It helps wounds heal and is very important for functioning tissues and organs.
Adults need around 40 milligrams of vitamin C a day.
But it cannot be stored in the body, so it needs to come in the form of a regular intake of fruit and vegetables or supplements.