Thursday, April 03, 2008
Anti-Aging
Eating certain foods might be as effective as a trip to the plastic surgeon.
Kathy Belcher of Louisville, program director for the Southeast Dairy Association, said a well-balanced diet of dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and vitamin E-rich foods is nature's key to the fountain of youth. A diet of colorful fruits and vegetables; milk, cheese and yogurt; tuna and salmon; whole grains such as wild rice, oats and barley, and vitamin E foods such as sunflower seeds, walnuts and almonds has been shown to ward off the effects of aging.
The top five "fountain of youth" food groups are:
Milk, cheese and yogurt are the best ways to avoid the increased risk of osteoporosis as you age, as is implementing a regular fitness program that includes weight-bearing exercises.
Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, broccoli, tomatoes and cantaloupe, might help slow the aging process. Studies show that certain antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and vitamin A nourish and protect skin to extend its youthful appearance. These same antioxidants also act as a defense against cell and tissue damage, reducing the risk of contracting certain diseases.
The natural antioxidants and fiber in whole grains, such as oats and wild rice, improve heart function and have been shown to decrease the risk of diabetes by 6 percent. Refined grains, such as white rice, are stripped of most nutrients, and do not provide the same benefits as whole grains.
The American Heart Association reports that eating fish such as salmon and tuna at least twice a week reduces the incidence of stroke and improves heart function.
Foods rich in vitamin E, such as nuts, seeds and fortified cereals, are nature's best protection against dementia. A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that eating such foods has better brain-boosting results than taking vitamin E supplements.