Sunday, December 19, 2010

Elements of an Anti-Aging Diet

Everyone wants to find that secret food or ingredient that reverses aging and makes us look younger. Sadly, contrary to the fads and marketing gimmicks, there is no magic food or dietary supplement that can reverse all of the effects of aging. Aging is not caused by any one factor within the body. It happens due to a complex range of issues all acting together to create our aging symptoms. And because aging is so complex, it happens to us all in different ways, so there is no one-size-fits-all anti-aging solution.
In the end, the only way to fight aging is to approach the issue from multiple fronts. Rather than trying to take a magic pill or buying some overhyped piece of exercise machinery, you have to make anti-aging a way of life. Exercise is an important element, and so is diet. Here are some things that every aging person should consider eating every day.
Antioxidants
Many of the outward effects of aging result from cell breakdown. Some cell breakdown is a natural result of aging, but a great deal of it comes from wear and tear brought about by environmental factors such as the sun and air pollution. When these contaminants get into your cells, it causes little molecules known as free radicals to develop. Free radicals bounce around inside of the cells, causing damage and shortening cells’ lifespans.
Antioxidants, which are found in a wide variety of foods, help clear these free radicals out of the cells. Some of the best sources of antioxidants include blueberries, cranberries, grapes, dark chocolate, carrots, whole grains, green tea, and red wine.
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a little like the motor oil of the body. They keep things running smoothly, prevent us from overheating, and essentially extend the lifetime of our cells, organs, and joints. They strengthen cell walls, boost cognitive functioning, and contribute to the smooth functioning of our nervous system cells.
To make fatty acids a part of your diet, consume plenty of fish—especially salmon, mackerel, herring, anchovies, and sardines—plus chia seeds, flaxseed, soybeans, vegetable oils, and egg whites.
Other important ingredients
Other anti-aging foods you might want to include in your diet are:
• Fruits and vegetables, which provide plenty of fiber and vitamins in addition to antioxidants.
• Whole grains provide plenty of dietary fiber while reducing cholesterol in the blood and providing protein and other nutrients.
• Yogurt helps clear out bacteria and other toxins that gather in the blood stream and digestive tract.
• Legumes offer tons of protein with few calories, and they become super-proteins when combined with whole grains or corn.
• Nuts provide tons of brain-boosting B vitamins, plus plenty of elastin and collagen, which have anti-wrinkle effects.

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