Age is an unbeatable evil. We start aging from the minute we are born. The battle thus begins from birth and continues throughout our lifespan. Today we would like to equip you with some tools to slow down this aging process. When we are talking about aging its not just the skin in terms of the wrinkles, blemishes, sagging of the skin that maybe seen but also the overall health of the body and the various organs like heart, liver etc. When talking in terms of general guidelines for an anti-aging diet : keep your calorie consumption and saturated fat intake down; eat plenty of wholegrain, oily fish and fresh fruit and vegetables; and cut down on salt and sugar.
In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific foods that have a roll in anti-aging and that you should regularly include in your diet.
| Staying 5-10% below ideal body weight is a good target for anti-aging weight. |
Let’s have a look at some food items that can help you in your battle against age.
Avocado
This fruit, which is usually eaten as a vegetable, is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat that helps to reduce level of a bad type of cholesterol in body. Avocado is a good source of vitamin E and can help to maintain healthy skin and prevent skin aging (vitamin E may also help alleviate menopausal hot flushes). It is rich in potassium which helps prevent fluid retention and high blood pressure.
Berries
All black and blue berries such as blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants and black grapes contain phyto-chemicals known as flavonoids-powerful antioxidants which help to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals and aging.
Cruciferous Vegetables
The family of Cruciferous vegetables includes cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, turnip, Brussels sprouts, radish and watercress. Cruciferous vegetables assist the body in its fight against toxins and cancer. You should try to consume at least 100 gms (of any one or a combination) of these vegetables on a daily basis. If possible, eat them raw or very lightly cooked so that the important enzymes remain intact.
Garlic
Eating a clove of garlic a day (raw or cooked) helps to protect the body against cancer and heart. The cardio protective effects of garlic are well recorded. Studies show that women who ate a clove of garlic at least once a week were 50 percent less likely to develop colon cancer than those who did not.
Ginger
This spicy root can boost the digestive and circulatory systems, which can be useful for older people. Ginger may also help to alleviate rheumatic aches and pains.
Nuts
Most varieties of nuts are good sources of minerals, particularly walnuts. Walnuts, although high in calories, are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium. Adding nuts to your diet (sprinkle them on salads and desserts) can enhance the functioning of your digestive and immune systems, improve your skin help control prevent cancer. Nuts may also help control cholesterol levels.
Soya
Menopausal women might find that soya helps to maintain estrogen levels. Soya may alleviate menopausal hot flush and protect against Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis and heart disease.
Watermelon
Both the flesh and seeds of the watermelon are nutritious so try blending them together in a food processor and drinking as a juice. The flesh contain vitamin A, B and
C ; the seeds contain selenium, essential fats, zinc and vitamin E, all of which help against free radical damage and aging.
Water
Humans are made up of 70% water thus drink at least 8 glasses of water every day in order to remain healthy. Water helps us to get rid of the toxins and unwanted waste materials our body.Don't rely on thirst; this sensation diminishes with age. Drink often and choose from nutritious liquids, including 100% fruit and vegetable juices, skim or low fat milk, broths, sparkling water, and teas.
Thus we would like to conclude by saying that eat right to live and in this case even look right.
Happy Aging!!
