Anti-aging foods
Whenever you’re building something, whether it’s a craft, a recipe, or a house-held object, leaving out the vital components is just not an option because at some point, you will be doomed for failure. Every material has a purpose and if left out, may not have immediate consequences, but will eventually have an adverse impact on the final product. A balanced diet is no different. In order for your body to continuously fight illness and stay healthy throughout the aging process, you must not leave out any of the basic building blocks because the intended end product will be lacking. Anti-aging foods are some of the few things that you’ll want to incorporate in your diet because they can help better this process.
You might be asking yourself, what makes a food qualify as ‘anti-aging’? A component particularly studied as an anti-aging protagonist is the antioxidant. These act exactly as the name implies: they prevent the oxidation of cells and molecules that can result in cellular alteration or destruction. Other foods that are helpful in assisting the aging process are those that supply an abundant amount of vitamins and minerals.
Fruits/Vegetables: Most fruits and all vegetables are low in calories, low in fat, and low in just about everything that your body doesn’t need in high quantities. On the flip side, they are high in nutrients that are great for the body. Fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of healthy vitamins and minerals. For example, blueberries have antioxidants that help fight off destructive free radicals in the body, and dark green leafy vegetables are full of vitamins that do multiple things, such as improve eyesight, boost immunity, and enhance the skin. Truly, you can’t go wrong no matter what fruit or vegetable you eat.
Protein: Relative to the body’s needs, protein is an all-in-one package. They serve all three of the major functions that food is needed for: building body tissues, regulating metabolism, and providing energy. It is no wonder that consistently eating protein throughout life will help alleviate some of the struggles that can come with aging, such as loosing muscle. When muscle is lost, metabolism slows down proportionately. The higher your metabolism, the more calories you burn, the less weight you will gain throughout your 40s, 50s, 60, 70s, and beyond. Protein is not necessarily needed in higher amounts, but don’t skimp on it.
Nuts: Not only are nuts an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, but they are low in sugar and carbohydrates. This makes them ideal for anybody, including those with Diabetes. Nuts can help reduce the risk of heart disease and reduce cholesterol levels. Almonds and walnuts are great choices. They are rich in Omega-3’s that influence many physiological processes. To name a few: immunological functions, physical and mental growth, and blood pressure control.
Avocados: Avocados are known for their high fat content, but this fat is one of the best kinds out there. The healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat in this fruit complement its abundance of the B vitamins, vitamin E, fiber, potassium and folic acid, making it a perfect food. It has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, and when eaten or used on the face, promotes healthy skin and hair.
Water: It is common knowledge that water is the most abundant constituent of this earth and of our bodies. Water plays a part in almost every bodily function. It is necessary for proper functioning of senses, body temperature regulation, flushing out of toxins, and all of the other processes that take place in the body. It comes from food, fluids, and is produced as a by-product of the metabolic processes in the body.
Red Wine: This is another source of those very helpful antioxidants. In addition, red wine can reduce inflammation. Resveratrol is a component of red wine that gets a lot of attention because of its ability to stop the spread of infection. Moderate consumption of red wine, or 1 glass per day, is more than enough.
Dark Chocolate: While we age, it is important to have at least one sweet that will not just be a bundle of bad news for our bodies. Dark chocolate is one of these sweets. The cocoa flavonals are antioxidant in nature. Dark chocolate reduces inflammation, cholesterol, and blood clots. Since it is high in calories, however, one square will be enough.
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