As the search continues for the miracle substance that will slow down and even stop aging, we will probably to stick with the most effective way…through nutrition.
Current thought is that much of the aging process is linked to chronic inflammation, which mainly comes from a lousy diet but smokers are also at a much higher risk.
These simple dietary changes can do much to “turn back the hands of Father Time”.
Foods
Something fishy!
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, and mackerel. These fish varieties may help fight many symptoms of aging like cardiovascular disease. Current recommendations are two servings a week.
Berry blaster!
Many dark colored berries like raspberries and blueberries, contain beneficial antioxidants called anthocyanins which can help slow the aging process — the darker the berry, the higher the amount of antioxidants. Try to get a cup a day fresh berries.
Have some chocolate (yum)!
Recent studies are now showing that chocolate boosts brain function and helps to reduce blood pressure. German researchers found that small amounts of chocolate daily could reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by almost 40 percent. Remember that this research was done in Germany, home to some of the best chocolate in the world! Look to get 1 to 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate. Don’t eat chocolate bars! They are full of sugar which actually promotes inflammation are reduces the immune system.
Are you nuts?
A handful of any kind of nut! One to two ounces a day contains large amounts of inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. Current knowledge has found that those who ate nuts every day had 60 percent fewer heart attacks than those who ate nuts less than once a month. Nuts also help the production of elastin and collagen, compounds that keep skin looking young.
Eat your broccoli (didn’t your mother tell you!)
Broccoli is jam packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including chromium, that put the brakes on the aging process and boost brain function. The sulforaphane found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage and Brussels sprouts, reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke as well as cancer. Try to get two servings of crucifererous vegetables daily.
Tasty tomatoes!
These luscious fruits contain a powerful antioxidant called Lycopene. It gives them their color, and helps you keeping your skin younger. Even better is their ability to lower the risk of heart disease and several cancers. One study showed that men eating ten servings of tomato-based foods weekly reduced their risk of prostate cancer by nearly 45 percent!
Beverages
Have some tea!
Those folks that drink more than three cups of green tea each day live longer, according to a Japanese study. Green and white teas contain generous amounts of EGCG, a powerful antioxidant linked to a lower risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and numerous types of cancer. Catechins, which are antioxidant compounds found in green tea, may also protect aging eyes from glaucoma.
Drink some wine (but not too much!)
Just a couple of glasses a day can help protect against many of the diseases of aging including heart attack, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, and several types of cancer. Wine can also protect skin, reducing the number of precancerous skin lesions called actinic keratoses.
Get your morning jo!
Rich in antioxidants, one study found that three to five cups of coffee a day helps to reduce the risk of dementia by 65 percent. Other studies have found coffee lowers the risk of many diseases of aging including heart disease, gout, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.
Other articles on anti-aging:
How to Slow Down, Stop and Reverse Aging
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