In a society that values youth above wisdom and beauty above intelligence it is interesting that most people search for anti-aging solutions in a chemical bottle or a pill when the answer is staring them right in the face at the grocery store.
The basic idea behind maintaining a youthful appearance is to have a well maintained body. This starts with watching total calorie consumption, saturated fat intake and increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables that you eat. People interested in anti-aging foods should also decrease the amount of white flour, sugar and salt that is eaten.
The avocado is a good source of vegetable fat that can reduce the level of high density lipids — the bad cholesterol. It’s also a good source of vitamin E and can help maintain healthy skin.
Berries are also known to be a good source of flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants. These help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. The best berries are blackberries, blueberries and raspberries.
Another one of the great anti-aging foods are the cruciferous vegetables including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, radishes and watercress. These vegetables help the body fight against cancer and toxin build up in the body. The best way to eat these is raw or lightly cooked so that the important enzymes, that do all of the work, remain intact.
Another food whose benefits have tried to be mimicked in pill form is Garlic. But the best form of the food still remains the food. Eating a clove of garlic a day, either raw or cooked in your meals, helps to protect against heart disease and cancer. A study researched in Iowa found that women between the ages of 55 and 69 who ate a clove of garlic at least once a week were 50% less likely to develop colon cancer. In another study in India the researchers found that garlic reduced cholesterol levels and assisted in blood thinning.
Ginger is a spicy root used in several tasty Chinese dishes. It can help the digestive system and circulatory system. Some also believe that it helps to alleviate rheumatic aches and pains.
Well loved and high in vegetable fat are nuts. They are a great source of minerals. Walnuts are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium while raw almonds are a strong source of vegetable protein. Nuts can also help to lower cholesterol levels.
Carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene that is a powerful antioxidant. Beta carotene fights aging and many diseases, including cancer. Studies have shown that people who eat carrots daily have a decreased risk of several different types of cancers. And true to the old tales this vegetable does help to keep the vision sharp and protect the eyes from age related diseases. Carrots have the most benefit if taken as a freshly made juice or eaten raw. Try adding them to your salad daily as they give a slightly sweet taste to the salad.
Other foods that are important in the fight against aging are sprouts, lentils, brown rice, raw seeds, raw nuts, seaweed, wheatgrass juice and green leafy vegetables. Each of these foods offers the body the nutrients it needs to regenerate stronger and more youthful cells.
Other important criteria are plenty of good water and lots of restful sleep. Water helps to hydrate the cells, plump them and give them the minerals and hydration they need to work their best. And our bodies need sleep to work best and regenerate daily.
