Anti ageing Foods To Keep You Looking Young
August 4, 2008
Is there anyone who doesn’t hate the sign of ageing? Some are so averse to it that the first sign of a wrinkle and they rush want to stiffen it out with botox. Others despite being afraid put on a stiff upper lip and opt for plastic surgery. However, there are better ways of fighting age without having to get injected or go under a plastic surgeon’s knife. Take a peek into your refrigerator, and while you may not find a fountain of youth to drink from, you can fill your fridge up with food that combats and helps keep ageing at bay. Ageing like death is inevitable and more than skin deep. It is a slow and gradual deterioration of physical health, but the ravages of time can be fought back with the help of food that has anti-ageing properties.
We Age Because…
Genetically, the cells in our body are programmed to reproduce a number of times before dying and being replaced with cells that have been newly generated. Over time, as we grow older, this process slows down, which means there is a gradual deterioration of all our body systems. Since, our skin is the most visible; it is here where we notice the signs of ageing first.
The action of unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals are responsible for some of this deterioration and which accelerates the ageing process. Cigarette smoke, excessive alcohol, air pollution, X-rays and solar radiation are all fuel for free radicals. Basically, what happens is that constant exposure to unnecessary free radicals speeds up the ageing process.
Fighting Free Radicals
Anti-oxidants disarm and mop-up free radicals, thereby helping slow the ageing process before the latter can contribute to irreversible cellular damage. They help improve our immune systems and reduce age-related problems, such as, painful joints and even cancer. Like any other nutrients, anti-oxidants are best consumed in their natural state, which means eating lots of antioxidant-rich foods.
Folic Acid
Necessary for healthy cell growth and division, folic acid-rich foods include breakfast cereals, beans, leafy green vegetables and orange juice.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 works with folic acid for optimal cell growth, brain and nerve function. However, after the age of fifty, its reserves fall sharply. To be found in meat, liver, kidney, dairy products, eggs and fish, one it is recommended that these constitute a part of one’s diet.
Vitamin C And Vitamin E
These are useful in helping protect against age-related conditions, such as, heart disease, stroke, cataracts, including some forms of cancer. Vitamin C is required to help regenerate vitamin E reserves and is to be found in foods like papaya, sweet peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, strawberries and citrus fruits, etc. Vitamin E can be found in almonds, sunflowers seeds and oils, hazelnuts, peanuts, spinach, broccoli, mangoes and kiwi.
Selenium
A highly praised mineral is another powerful antioxidant, bolsters the immune system, protects against certain cancers and lowers the risk of joint inflammation. Selenium-rich foods come mainly from fish sources, the highest being snapper, salmon, cod and tuna. However, it is also found in button mushrooms, shitake mushrooms, calf livers, barley and lamb.
Omega 3
This essential fatty acid protects against heart disease and is to be found in mackerel, tuna, sardines, salmon, or linseed for vegetarians. Consume at least twice a week.
Lycopene
Tomato products are rich sources of lycopene, which is a potent antioxidant shown to protect against cancer, particularly prostate cancer, and may also lower cholesterol.
Calcium and Magnesium
Bone density declines post-menopause, which is why menopausal women should up their intake of calcium and magnesium. Dairy products, including almonds, baked beans, salmon, tofu and rhubarb are all sources of calcium. Peanuts, tofu, broccoli and spinach are among the best sources of magnesium.
By eating anti-oxidant rich food, we can keep wrinkles and sagging skin at bay, while maintaining our health and well-being! Eat well, exercise and do Yoga, and you may just live to be a young looking 100-year old!
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