10 EDIBLE & YUMMY ALLIES IN THE ANTI-AGING WARS
By: Perennial Deity As the urban warriors we are, it is our duty to enter the battlefield armed against skin cancer, toxins in processed foods, pollution, radiation, viruses, and many other dangers to be found in this current world. Our lifespan may be broader than our ancestors', but let's face it, the quality has been sucked out dry of all those extra years from bad eating habits, additives even in our water, pharmaceutical abuse, violent climate conditions, chemical wastes accumulating all over the place and ignorance regarding how we can prepare and counteract the damage we endure each day.
One place to look for all we need to protect this organic packaging we got is precisely in what we introduce inside it. It just makes so much sense when you think about the mere act of eating! You put decaying stuff inside you! Wouldn't you at least try to ingest the best of the best instead of disrespecting your body by eating poor quality low nutrition food?
I certainly would, and since others have done the hard work for us we might as well pay them some consideration and consider to include these 10 edible and yummy allies in the anti-aging wars.
1.AVOCADOS
Avocado's Nutrient X-RAY: One-fifth of a medium avocado has 50 calories and contributes nearly 20 beneficial nutrients, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients may prevent many chronic diseases that endanger overall health. These green fruits give us nearly 4% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E, 4% vitamin C, 8% folate, 4% fiber, 2% iron, 4% potassium along with 81 micrograms of lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene. Avocados act as a "nutrient booster" by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha- and beta-carotene as well as lutein present in foods eaten with the fruit.
Avocados are a good way to get more lutein in the diet and it is recommended that women eat 1 fruit every week in order to benefit from its good fats and losing weight. Lutein has been shown to be concentrated in the Macula of the eye, and research suggests that this natural antioxidant may help maintain eye health as we get older. You can enjoy avocados in guacamole or in salads to get more of the phytonutrient lutein in your diet or just because they are sooo yummy.
2. GINGER
This spicy root has wonderful flavor and aroma and its beneficial health properties have been enjoyed for centuries since ancient times. It boosts the circulatory and digestive systems and has an alleviating effect on rheumatism. Better circulation means more oxygen to all organs and better digestion ensures nutrients will be assimilated and toxins expelled. Ginger has also been known to posses aphrodisiac qualities and sure tastes great with veggies, fish and even desserts!
3. CHOCOLATE
This one-of-a-kind ancient superfoodie does wonders on depression by boosting serotonin levels in the brain and though highly caloric, its nutritional values and antioxidants are a thing to be revered. This yummy is loaded with age-deflecting flavonols which relax your blood vessels so they can do a better job. Chocolate in moderation, and by CHOCOLATE I mean dark chocolate and not the cocoa butter/oily/milky emulsion candy wannabe, can give your body healthy fats and chemicals it needs. One square a day is what they say...
4. GARLIC
Not recommended for vampires or goths for that matter, this miracle clove is one of nature´s natural antibiotics said to prevent colon cancer and reduce heart disease. It controls bacteria population in your throat and stomach and is a major asset in rejuvenescence. Apparently, Garlic has blood-thinning properties better than aspirin and though some steer far from it due to its intense aromas, everyone loves it in their food. Take it as a supplement but whatever you do, don't chew it unless you want insecticide breath.
5. GREEN TEA
Millenarian tradition in China, Green Tea has been used as a longevity supplement for thousands of years and later became popular all over the world until earning a spot amidst spa authorities as the most fashionable infusion. Preservation of Youthful appearance is a big deal in China! The tea is a natural diuretic, energy enhancer due to its mild caffeine content, and can be taken to reduce bad cholesterol levels. Green Tea is found in dietary supplements, pills, powders, cookies and slimming beverages. Its medicinal attributes are flavonoid phytochemicals called poly-phenols which aid in SKIN AGING by helping tissues absorb antioxidants, relieve atherosclerosis and help in the prevention of some kinds of CANCER.
6. CARROTS
Go Beta people! Yes, beta-carotene is a highly appreciated antioxidant found in many delicious vegetables including Carrots. It enhances the immune system which means more protection from free radicals and their awful consequences on age-defying healthy practices. The beta carotene nutrient in carrots makes it a black belt vegetable in defense against ultraviolet rays that promote aging and its high vitamin A content is just great for vision as well as youth-prolonging health benefits.
7. NUTS
Aging prevention studies show that eating one-quarter cup of nuts five times a week can add 2.5 years to your life. Peanuts for example contain resveratrol(major hype these days), an enzyme known to extend the life of cells in the body. Almonds are a great source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, biotin, riboflavin, niacin and iron and are considered to be the most nutritious nut of all. They were consumed in ancient times due to their benefits in smoothing complexion and are considered great sources of good lipids. In fact, evidence from numerous nutritional studies indicate that daily incorporation of nuts in one's diet, may actually prolong one's life. How's that for nuts huh?
8. BROCCOLI
It is the monster of all veggies for kids and yet, broccoli might contain a certain chemical that may rejuvenate the immune system enough to ward off common diseases of aging. The recently discovered sulforaphane, a phytonutrient in broccoli, activates antioxidant pathways at the cellular level(this is sort of like waking up dormant cells). This dreaded cruciferous works wonders on the liver by inducing the production of enzymes that get rid of carcinogenic cells. You might want to consider adding it steamed or baked to your diet to promote cell rejuvenation and if you take plight in cruelness, force your kids to eat it. They'll thank you later, much later.
9. CHILI PEPPERS
That's hot! Chili peppers are the hottest anti-oxidant, blood vessel relaxing, immune system boosters around these days. Trendy as can be, these spicy, exotic wonders contain capsaicin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that helps relieve pain. They ease congestion and clear mucus from the lungs and nose, boost immunity, prevent stomach ulcers by killing bacteria, assist in weight loss, reduce blood cholesterol, manage triglyceride levels, and prevent cancer. It might take some getting used to, but spicy peppers have addictive components that cause cravings for more, and they can sure stimulate your palate and senses in a new chic way.That's an extreme age-defying prep technique! I make a hot infusion combining chili peppers, ginger, honey and some other spices and citrus juices that just tackles colds, runny noses and soothes aching throats.
10. BERRIES
While new über-bizarre wild amazonian berries are the current hype in the eternal youth industry, that's a whole post altogether so I'm just going to focus on everyone's favorite BUSH(not Georgie boy). Blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, black currant, mulberries etc, have been popular since....FOREVER, and that's because they are succulent sweeties and top choice ingredients in desserts, jams, candy and all other treats the glutton hearts desire.
Did you guess they helped us remain youthful? Berries are nutrient bombs! They are anti-oxidant Divas overflowing in vitamin C, lutein, fibers and you know what? The darker the better so snack on a variety of juicy berries until you are as fair as a GUMMY BEAR. You could make your own power juice by blending a handful of berries, beets, honey, a small onion and filtered water. Yummy and awesome for getting those anti-oxidants to fight free radicals.
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Contributor's Note
Youth should burst from within the soul and reflect upon the exterior.
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This intel first appeared on: http://sempiternalfountainofyouthforever.blogspot.com
