When
we are told, we are what we eat; it is only a matter of time before it shows in
our appearance. Eat fattening food, and sooner or later, you'll see
that you can't button your pants. Eat lots of salty food, and all of a sudden,
you blood pressure rises. As we age we are told to basic concepts, diet and
exercise.
For
diet, http://www.womenfitness.net/anti_aging_food.htm published the following
as the top 10 anti-aging foods:
Avocado:
This fruit, which is usually eaten as a vegetable, is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat that may help 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.
This fruit, which is usually eaten as a vegetable, is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat that may help 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 phytochemicals 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 115g/40z(of any one or a combination) of
these vegetables on a daily basis. If possible, eat them row or very lightly
cooked so that the important enzymes remain intact.
Garlic:
Eating a clove of garlic a day (row or cooked) helps to protect the body against cancer and heart disease. The cardio protective effects of garlic are well recorded. One 1994 study in Iowa, USA, of 41,837 women between the age of 55 and 69 suggested that women who ate a clove of garlic at least once a week were 50 percent less likely to develop colon cancer. Another study at Tasgore Medical college in India suggested that garlic reduced cholesterol levels and assisted blood thinning more effectively than aspirin, thus helping to reduce the risk of heart disease.
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:
Nuts:
Most
varieties of nuts are good sources of minerals, particularly walnuts and brazi
nuts. 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. Never eat
rancid nuts, however, as they have been linked to a high incidence of free
radicals.
Soya:
Menopausal
women might find that soya helps to maintain oestrogen levels. Soya may
alleviate menopausal hot flush and protect against Alzheimer's
disease, osteoporosis and heart disease. Look out for
fermented soya products, which are more easily digested,
therefore more nutritional, and do not generally cause food intolerances. You
may want to check that soya products have not been genetically modified. Soya
should not be confused with soya sauce, which is full of salt and should be
used sparingly, if at all.
Whole
meal pasta and rice:
Complex
carbohydrates provide a consistent supply of
energy throughout the day and should make up the bulk of your diet. Whole meal
pasta is an excellent complex carbohydrate. It is high in fiber and contains twice the amount of iron as
normal pasta. Brown rice is another recommended complex carbohydrate, which is
high in fiber and B vitamins.
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:
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 from your 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. You can also get fluids from foods, especially those that are liquid at room temperature. Try gelatin, frozen yogurt, soups, watermelon, pickles, oranges, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.
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. You can also get fluids from foods, especially those that are liquid at room temperature. Try gelatin, frozen yogurt, soups, watermelon, pickles, oranges, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.
What about the exercise part of keeping
young?
Well,
according to Anti-aging nutrition news, Yoga is one of the exercises that keep
you young.
1)
Yoga Keeps the Spine Young
2)
Yoga Makes Skin More Youthful
3)
Yoga Eases Aches and Pains
4)
Yoga Keeps You Happy
5)
Yoga Keeps Your Mind Agile
Start with simple exercises so as not to shock the
system when you begin a cardio exercise.
Walking is an excellent choice.
You’ll that after walking 20minutes a day 3-4 times a week for 2 weeks;
you will begin to feel you can walk farther and even longer.
As you increase your flexibility in yoga, and
increase your cardio exercise, eat the right anti-aging foods, take a look in
the mirror after 3 months. Is there a
difference? I’d like to know.
