Anti Aging Foods
There will be no surprise here. The foundation for any effective anti aging program is to eat a healthy well balanced diet, exercise to loose those extra pounds, adequate rest, and avoid tobacco. OK.. Now that we got those “high and mighty” platitudes that you’ve heard about a thousand times out of the way, let’s be a little more practical, in how you can start to increase or rebalance and incorporate those anti-aging foods into your daily routine.
Let’s start:
• Water ….So basic but so important.
There are many things we can live without but water is NOT one of them. It is essential for life. There are some really great benefits water delivers to our anti aging program. Besides being life essential, it has no calories therefore rather than reaching for that soda, go for a glass of water. Over time if you can make it your drink of choice all the better.
Besides water hydrating and flushing toxins from our bodies, it hydrates our skin thus helps fight those wrinkles. The “right” quantity of water one should drink daily seems to vary, though conscience seems to be around 8 glasses @ day or a glass every 2 waking hours.
Last comment about drinking water is that the water should be as “pure and clean” from chemicals as practically possible. Most water we get from the public tap is fine, however, just be aware that drinking water quality varies from source to source.
• Berries ….The operative word here is “antioxidants”
Antioxidants attack and repair “free radicals” in our bodies which are the result of the aging process. Simply put foods, like dark colored berries, are high in antioxidants and Vitamin C. They help slow the effects of the aging process and also can help in fighting off the onset of many chronic illnesses such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
In short, fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, blackberries etc are extraordinarily good for you and so easily incorporated into one’s diet. Just put out a bowl of berries in the kitchen, living room or your office then grab a handful and snack away when the mood strikes…and they are low in calories.
• Nuts…Keep a bowl of unsalted natural or dry roasted nuts handy for the occasional healthy snack
Nuts are great source of Vitamin B which is good for heart and brain functions. Walnuts are particular rich in Omega 3 non saturated fatty acids and anti-inflammatory which is good for the heart and great substitute for those that may have a hard time getting in the recommended twice a week serving of fish. Now the slightly bad news…nuts are high in calories ..So an occasional handful is great but avoid eating the entire bowl.
• Whole Grains….Avoid white bread, pasta and rice…Go 100% Whole wheat bread, pasta and brown rice
White bread really does very little for you nutritionally. For a means to get soluble fiber into your system for lower cholesterol levels and higher energy levels, go with high fiber grains or more specifically read labels and get “100% whole (grain) ” products.
• Eat Avocados….The #1 best anti aging food?
Of all the anti aging foods I investigated, the one consistent food that made an almost unanimous #1 ranking for the best anti aging food was the avocado. It is very high in Vitamin E and is particularly helpful in maintaining one’s skin quality and keeping a lid on wrinkles. The downside, like nuts, is that avocados are high in calories.
• Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables !...Some things never change.
Mom was right! Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrients. The key here is go with fresh, dark colored vegetables particularly the green ones. Avoid processed canned vegetables if you can…go fresh then steam! Same is true with buying fruits.. Go fresh!... Get outside, get exercise and go visit your local farmers market and pick up that fresh produce.!!
• Yogurt…Great for Digestion
Yogurt falls into a category called a probiotic. In short it helps the intestines absorb nutrients more efficiently. Further, yogurt is a quick take it with you food and packed with nutrients.
• Lastly…..The dreaded “Avoid” Food Category
During the last 20th century food processing has grown to industrial scale. Convenience foods, TV dinners, microwave cooking, fast food outlets have made food preparation and consumption easier…but not necessarily healthier. Saturated fats (i.e. in red meat), transfats (i.e. fried foods), preservatives, salts, sugar and starches are everywhere. Be aware…and try to avoid them if you can…or at least minimize your consumption of them. Again, go fresh when you can!