No matter what your food preferences, there is sure to be at least one of nature's anti-agers that will tickle your palate and give added sustenance to your body. Why not try one of the following fabulous five as a way to turn back the clock?
Berries: Blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries and almost any berry you can think of are not only delicious, but are packed with anti-aging phytonutrients and phenols. Adding one cup of berries per day to your diet will deliver necessary vitamins and minerals, along with anti-aging health benefits. Add berries to a bowl of breakfast cereal, or simply enjoy alone.
Avocados: Loaded with vitamin E, avocados aid in maintaining healthy skin as well arteries and organs. Vitamin E has long been noted as one of the anti-oxidant vitamins that assist in anti-aging diets. They are high in monounsaturated fat which has been shown to reduce the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), and therefore help prevent heart disease. Avocados are also loaded with phosphorous, a mineral that strengthens your bones and teeth which will serve you well into the aging process. Mash up an avocado with some spices for a homemade guacamole dip, or cut into chunks and toss on a salad.
Leafy greens/cruciferous vegetables: Kale, spinach, red and green lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower contain important phytonutrients that ward off cancer. With high content of vitamins A and C, these powerhouses defend against free radicals which speed up aging. Adding a large bowl of raw greens to any meal not only delivers health benefits, but aids in weight loss by making you feel fuller. Use raw spinach on a sandwich instead of lettuce for added flavor and nutrients. Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower should at least be lightly steamed for maximum digestion and absorption of their nutrients.
Sweet Potatoes: Loaded with beta-carotene, sweet potatoes deliver powerful anti-aging benefits. The anti-oxidants found in sweet potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties. While inflammation has been linked to many age related diseases such as heart disease, arthritis and Alzheimer’s, adding a colorful and delicious sweet potato to your plate can help ward off the onset of inflammation and subsequent illnesses. Sweet potatoes are delicious when baked, or mash and whip them for a tasty alternative to white mashed potatoes.
Garlic: Studies have shown garlic to have outstanding healthy heart benefits. Garlic helps prevent heart attacks and strokes by keeping arteries soft, supple and young. The sulfur compounds in garlic relax and enlarge the blood vessels, while the high levels of Vitamin B6 found in garlic helps prevent damage to arterial walls. Like sweet potatoes, garlic is also loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds. Fighting cancer, heart disease and boosting the immune system, the health and anti-aging advantages of garlic are numerous. Raw garlic can be added to almost any dish or salad to enhance flavor and add maximum health benefits.
We all know that our bodies will age chronologically, but with proper nutrition we can slow biological aging, and maintain good health in the process.
 |
