Battling Time with Anti-Aging Foods

Turns out there is a fountain of youth. It’s cascading down your local grocer’s produce department shelves.

Super food. Anti-aging food. Beauty food. Whatever you call them, there are foods out there that allow you to look younger and live longer. The secret to feeling and looking younger comes down to fighting inflammatory substances that we ingest.

Dr. Nicholas Perricone discusses the many benefits of whole foods and why they are a must in our diet. It’s important for readers to understand that certain nutrients work more effectively in our body when in the presence of antioxidants. Listed below are some substances found in foods that are linked to accelerating the body’s aging process:

Sucrose, such as corn syrup.
Certain complex carbohydrates, such as white breads, cookies and chips.
Trans fats, which is any oil that has been hydrogenated, such as shortening.

  The great news, as noted by Dr. Perricone, is that certain foods high in antioxidants, reduce the effects of inflammation, associated with anti-aging. Some nutritional foods to consider are salmon, blueberry and green tea.

Anti-oxidants, when consumed, can fight the oxidants (O+) by attaching themselves to the free radicals and, in turn, reduce inflammation linked to many aspects of the aging process, including heart disease and wrinkles.

Salmon contains a wonderful anti-oxidant (astaxanthin), causing vitamins C and E to work longer, promoting the health of the eyes and skin. Additionally, salmon is an excellent source of protein, which is needed to make all cells. It also contains a healthy fat found in the Omega 3 which promotes HDL cholesterol to reduce the negative effects of LDL cholesterol.

Berries contain anthocyanins, which helps vitamins C and E work better in the body. Research performed in Denmark found that Berries are used in the reduction of inflammation and prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and mood disorders.

Green tea is a brain-wise healthy drink. “The catechins found in green tea are a source of antioxidative defense for the brain neurons, preventing cognitive deficits,” Japanese researchers said in the Journal of Nutrition and Biochem. Green tea does not stimulate your need for food, but caffeine found in (North American) coffee, promotes hunger and a cascading process that begins with salivase (enzymes in your mouth) and ends with hydrochloric acid, also known as stomach acid. This cascading process can only be satisfied through food intake. These foods are not usually associated with fruits and vegetables, but cookies, cakes and pies that are linked with inflammatory substances and weight gain. 

Strong antioxidative foods should be included in everyone’s daily meal plan, in order to maintain ones mental and physical being. Additional fruits and vegetables high in anti-oxidants are: avocado, melon, whole grains, rice, soy, nuts, Cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cabbage and collard greens). Two spices linked to improving the circulatory system are garlic and ginger. Water is an individual’s best friend, as the human body is composed of 60 percent water.

Eat whole foods, drink both water and green tea to give yourself the winning edge in keeping your body healthy and strong, which, in the end, is a contributing factor to longevity.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Photo: Neysa Ruhl Photography
Location: The McAlpin
Model: Gina Worrell
Makeup Artistry: Charlie Greer, Lancome Makeup Artist, Saks Fifth Avenue