Lifestyle includes the foods we eat and proper nutrition is also vital in determining the aging process. Even though, the market is flooded with anti aging supplements and creams, intake of the right anti aging foods can work wonders. Read more on anti aging creams and anti aging.
Relation Between Aging and Foods: Aging is inevitable, and is evidenced by wrinkles on your skin, decline in physical capacity, memory loss, decline in the functioning of sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, etc.) and other physiological functions, like, digestion, cardiovascular function, etc. and gradual onset of geriatric illnesses. Getting old is something, which is not in the wish list of any human being, as they want to stay young forever. Staying young forever is an impossible thing, but, you can try to conquer the aging process with the right foods and a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet with anti aging foods along with regular exercises can be the solution for aging. Read on for more on wrinkle-free skincare and anti aging skin care for men.
Talking about the anti aging foods, the most important ones are those with antioxidants, which can prevent many diseases. All you have to do is to reduce the intake of foods (like, rice, pasta, root vegetables, pastries, cakes, etc.), which contribute to the free radical activity in the body and consume more foods with antioxidants, which fight the free radical activity.Antioxidants have the ability to retard the process of aging and also help to prevent diseases, like, cancer, heart diseases, high blood pressure, etc. You can slow down the aging process by maximizing the intake of foods with antioxidants, like, tomatoes, berries, green tea, garlic, spinach, etc.
List of Anti-Aging Foods and Drinks
The following is an anti aging foods list, which can help you in fighting the aging process. Apart from slowing down the aging, most of these foods offer the additional advantage of health benefits, like fighting cholesterol and reducing the risk of many diseases.
Acai Berry: Native to Brazil, acai berry is a tiny grape-like fruit, which contains high levels of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are good to prevent aging and age-related diseases. You can include this fruit in your diet, but it is better to use it moderately.
Avocado: A fruit, which is used as a vegetable, avocado is rich in vitamin E and mono unsaturated fats. While vitamin E helps to maintain a glowing skin and shining hair, mono unsaturated fats are good in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Avocado is rich in potassium and this mineral curbs fluid retention in the body and high blood pressure.
Berries: Berries are rich in antioxidants and other compounds, which are beneficial for human health. Among the berries, all the black and blue ones contain phytochemicals known as flavonoids, which are antioxidants that fight free radicals and prevent aging. According to recent studies, blueberries contain some compounds, which lessen inflammation and oxidative damage, which are associated with age-related deficits in memory and motor function. Gooseberry, which is a very good source of vitamin C, is also good for proper blood circulation and also fights aging.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables, like, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, watercress, brussels sprouts, turnip and radish are all cruciferous vegetables, which help the body in fighting against toxins, which cause degeneration of cells and aging. Regular and moderate consumption of cruciferous vegetables (raw or slightly cooked, to retain the beneficial enzymes) can be beneficial for the body.
Fish: It has been observed that people who consume fish on a regular basis are free of heart disease, to some extent, when compared to their counterparts. This is due to the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in fish, which prevents the rise of cholesterol levels in the body. These compounds are also beneficial in preventing abnormal heart rhythms. Some of the anti aging diet plans include fish as the main anti aging food, but beware of those fish that contain mercury and pesticides.
Garlic and other Allium Family Members: Garlic has many medicinal properties, which help in preventing diseases, like colon cancer and heart diseases. It is good for reducing the cholesterol levels and for blood thinning, thereby preventing heart diseases. Garlic can also prevent cell degeneration, which causes aging. To get the maximum benefits of garlic, you have to eat it in the raw form. Apart from garlic, other members of the allium family, like, onion, leeks, chives, etc., are also good for fighting the aging process.
Green Tea: The list of anti aging foods would be incomplete without mentioning green tea, which has been used in some Asian countries throughout the centuries. Drinking green tea regularly and in moderate amounts is found to be beneficial for humans, as it is associated with various health benefits. Apart from the health benefits, green tea is also good for the skin, owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Read more on green tea benefits.
Melons: One of the nutritious fruits, which can be included in your daily diet is melon. It can be musk melon or water melon, which have an alkalizing effect on the body, but also provides vitamins and lots of fluids, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Nuts: Almost all types of nuts are good sources of vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fats and other phytochemicals, including antioxidants. Walnuts contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, etc. Almonds and cashews can fill the body with immense energy. Including moderate amounts of nuts in your diet can be beneficial in improving the digestive functions, boosting the immune system, preventing cancer and reducing cholesterol levels. Avoid eating rancid nuts, as it contains free radicals, which can harm the body. Most of the nuts are high in fat content, so use itmoderately. Read more on nutritional value of nuts and walnut health benefits.
Red Wine: The list of anti aging foods includes red wine too. Red wine contains resveratrol, which slows down cellular aging. It is also believed to be good in preventing age-related illnesses.
Water: Staying hydrated is one of the golden rules to prevent aging. For this purpose, there is nothing that can replace water. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, as it contains no calories and chemicals. It is better to use filtered water than tap water. Water helps to flush out the toxins in the body and provides fluidity for blood, along with rendering a clear skin.
Yogurt: Yogurt is also an anti aging food, which has been associated with longevity. Even though, there is no scientific evidence to prove the anti aging properties of yogurt, it is rich in calcium, which boosts the bone health and prevents osteoporosis. It contains beneficial bacteria to promote the health of the digestive system and the immune system. These bacteria are also good to prevent the age-related problems of the intestine.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Dark green leafy vegetables are well known for their anti-aging properties. They contain vitamins A, E, K, and some of the B vitamins along with rich amounts of fiber. All these nutrients have antioxidant properties and will help you fight free radicals in preventing premature aging.
Berries
All the berries, especially dark ones such as black and blue berries are rich in phytochemicals that can help protect your skin from free radicals.
Fish
Fish is perhaps the best of all skin foods. Rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, and E, it helps your skin in slowing down the aging process by providing it with the means to rejuvenate.
Whole Grain Foods
Unprocessed and unrefined whole grains and foods made from them retain vitamin B-complex, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Replacing white flour and processed foods with whole grain foods will do a world of good to your skin.