"Live a longer, healthier life. Reduce the visible signs of aging. Drink eight glasses of water a day. Eat foods rich in antioxidants." Sound familiar?

It seems we are inundated with information about products and solutions that can help us feel and look younger and healthier. Talk of premature aging, free radicals, and oxidative stress consumes the media, but what does all of this really mean? What is oxidative stress? Can we really fight the aging process?

Oxidative stress is the harmful condition that occurs when there are excessive free radicals or oxidants in our bodies, decreasing our antioxidant levels. This causes the body to age-similar to how a car rusts or an apple turns brown. As the body ages, the defenses against oxidants decreases, making us more prone to health concerns and disease.

Antioxidants, often found in brightly colored foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E, such as processed tomatoes, spinach and blueberries, neutralize free radicals and counteract the aging effects. Experts suggest several natural solutions to combat free radicals and oxidative stress, such as eating blueberries, processed tomatoes or drinking pomegranate juice. They are all rich in vitamins and antioxidants, so they work to fight free radicals in the body.

By beefing up the antioxidant defenses in your body, you are slowing down the amount of oxidative stress in your system, a component of the aging process and linked to many diseases. This could allow many to feel youthful, vibrant, and healthy at any stage of life.