Sunday, March 14, 2010

The Longevity Diet (Natural Anti-Aging Foods for Health and Longevity)

The longevity diet is designed for anyone looking for a natural anti-aging solution to promote younger looking skin, overall health, and longevity.

Everyone experiences the signs of aging — skin begins to wrinkle, hair becomes dry and thin, eyesight wanes, joints ache, and energy levels plummet. Although there is no magic pill for aging, there is a natural anti-aging solution which can reduce the signs of aging, improve the functioning of organs, and increase energy. It is the longevity diet. Eating healthy, natural anti-aging foods, as well as taking anti-aging supplements and getting plenty of exercise, is the secret to health and longevity.

The Benefits of Eating Natural Anti-Aging Foods
Eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet, rich in anti-aging antioxidants, nutrients, plant enzymes, fiber, and essential fatty acids, as well as drinking plenty of water and other cleansing liquids, will lead to looking and feeling younger. The longevity diet will also help to prevent common age-related diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and macular degeneration as it will provide the body the tools to sustain itself and ward off illness.

Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, which would otherwise cause oxidative damage, harming cells, and even cellular DNA. Essential nutrients are needed for all bodily functions, from vitamin C for cellular regeneration, to magnesium for nerve and muscle tissue health. Plant enzymes help the body digest and utilize the nutrients provided by food. Essential fatty acids are needed for proper cognitive function, cellular integrity, and brain health. The body needs plenty of fiber to help cleanse and eliminate waste and toxins. All of these components are needed for disease prevention, health and longevity.

The Longevity Diet — Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are the central focus of an anti-aging and longevity diet plan. They all have their own particular formula of antioxidants, nutrients, water, and fiber, which when consumed in their raw, natural form are perfect anti-aging foods. Be sure to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.

As a general guideline, consume at least one serving of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula), two servings of dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, watercress, romaine lettuce, kale), one serving of yellow and orange-pigmented foods (sweet potatoes, squash, sweet peppers, grapefruit, peaches) and two servings of red or purple foods (tomatoes, red cabbage, eggplant, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, apples, plums). Mineral-rich mushrooms, nutrient and prebiotic-rich bananas, and essential fatty acid-rich avocados should all be consumed regularly.

The Longevity Diet — Whole Grains
Natural anti-aging whole grains should always be eaten instead of processed white flour foods in the anti-aging and longevity diet. Whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, quinoa, and buckwheat have the entire grain intact, as opposed to refined grains which have typically lost their nutrient-rich germ and bran layers. Whole grains have anywhere from 50 to 100 percent more vitamins and minerals, as well as essential fatty acids and dietary fiber, barely found at all in processed products.

The Longevity Diet — Fish, Nuts, and Oils 
Choices of protein and fat have a huge impact on health and longevity. Foods high in saturated fatty acids, such as red meat, pork, and cheese are more difficult for the body to digest, and are often consumed with high amounts of sodium. This puts a strain on the liver, which is responsible for breaking down fats, so it has less energy to remove toxins from the body.

Fish, soy, nuts, and minimally processed vegetable oils are wonderful anti-aging foods. Fish, especially wild salmon, herring, and mackerel are all excellent sources of essential fatty acids. Soy products, such as tofu, are rich in beneficial phytonutrients, such as isoflavones, minerals, and protein, while at the same time being extremely low in fat. Nuts are rich in healthy fatty acids, minerals, and protein. Oils, particularly virgin olive oil, flax seed oil and hemp seed oil, should be part of the longevity diet instead of processed vegetable oils and margarine. As some saturated fat is also necessary, a small amount of butter can be included in the anti-aging and longevity diet as well.

As the body ages, it becomes increasingly difficult to absorb nutrients. It is therefore even more important to consume plenty of natural anti-aging foods later in life. Transform food into a natural anti-aging solution with the longevity diet.

Sources: http://www.suite101.com

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