Each of us really has two ages: our chronological age and our body’s age. Our genes may contribute to our aging process, but it is our lifestyles that can really cause us to accelerate aging. By changing our habits and consuming an anti-aging formula, we can no only stop the aging process, but we can actually reverse it.

When we’re in the market for anti-aging products, though, how do we tell the best from the rest? After all, there are any number of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, herbs, minerals, and antioxidants that are bandied about as the Fountain of Youth. Here are essential ingredients that you should look for in any anti-aging supplement:

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) greatly contribute to reversing the effects of aging. They act on many of the body’s systems, including the metabolism, nervous system, joints, and immune system. Because they help maintain cell membranes and increase the body’s intake of oxygen, they can even act as an “anti-wrinkle” formula. They also have significant cardiovascular benefits.

Unfortunately, our bodies can’t manufacture essential fatty acids, so we must consume them. The best supplements contain flaxseed, which contains the Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids elcosapentoenoic acid, alfa-linolenic acid, docosahexoenoic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid. An anti-aging natural supplement should also contain oleic acid, an Omega 9 fatty acid.

Minerals

A good anti-aging formula will contain trace amounts of minerals. Gold, for example, helps boost the immune system and shore up brain function and the nervous system. Some people report that gold also enhances their mood. Similarly, the human body needs copper for a variety of functions, including keeping connective tissues healthy, maintaining the metabolism, and in keeping the nervous system humming along. Chromium is also essential, in that it helps regulate blood sugar by processing carbohydrates and fats. Likewise, manganese helps ensure proper growth, bone and cartilage formation, and brain function. Moreover, manganese is a wonderful antioxidant formula; it has any number of properties that fight free radicals and the damage that free radicals cause.

Plants and Herbs

There are several plants and herbs that, when combined with other ingredients, contribute greatly to an anti-aging supplements. Alfalfa, for example, is a good source of many of the vitamins and minerals necessary to keep the body’s systems functioning correctly. Olive leaf extract can help boost the immune system, while pumpkin seed has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Milk thistle is a strong antioxidant, and can also help with liver function, and astragalus root can help ward off colds and heal wounds and injuries.

The bottom line is that our genes aren’t necessarily our destiny. When we make a conscious choice to lead a healthy lifestyle, and take a good anti-aging formula, our body’s “age” can actually be younger than our chronological age. A younger body means a better quality of life something that each of us should strive for.