Recipe for Longevity
Those in search of the Fountain of Youth may not need to look further than their local grocery store. While no single food item will act as a magic age-erasing pill, a healthy diet that incorporates key anti-aging fruits and vegetables can have you looking and feeling younger in no time.
Are you eating the right foods to help slow down the aging process? Review the list below to see which nutritious foods can help you turn back the clock.
Avocados
Avocados contain glutathione, an antioxidant that helps neutralize destructive fat in foods. Avocados contain the “good-fats” missing from our diets; they also lower and improve blood cholesterol.
Blueberries & Cranberries
These tasty berries have more antioxidants than any other food! In fact, they have three times more antioxidants than the second richest sources, red wine and green tea.
Oranges
Oranges are also full of antioxidants, including natural agents that may inhibit cancer, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin C.
Grapefruits
Grapefruits are high in gluthione and have a unique type of fiber that reduces cholesterol dramatically.
Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta carotene, quercetin, & gluthoine. As well as helping to fight cancer, broccoli is a rich source of chromium, which protects the body against high insulin/blood sugar levels. In women it helps the body get rid of the harmful type of estrogen that promotes cancer.
Cabbage
Regularly consuming cabbage has been shown to cut the risk of colon cancer.
Carrots
Carrots contain beta carotene, which is good for the eyes and helps to boost immune function. Studies found women who ate at least six carrots per week reduced their risk of stroke by 68%, and that two carrots a day could lower blood cholesterol in men by 10%.
Red & Yellow Onions
Red and yellow onions are the richest source of quercetin, which inactivates cancer causing agents. They also have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
Spinach
Spinach is rich in both lutein and beta carotene and it appears to protect against cancer, high blood pressure, strokes, cataracts, muscular degeneration, and even psychiatric problems. It is rich in folic acid – a brain and artery protector.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the richest source of the antioxidant leucopenia, an effective reducer of cancer.
Garlic
Garlic helps support the immune system and reduces high blood cholesterol. It is an anti-coagulant, which helps protect against blood clots, protects aging brains from mental malfunction and possibly depression, inhibits cell changes leading to cancer, and helps destroy cancer cells.
Ginger Root, Almonds, Pumpkin Seeds
Ginger root, almonds and pumpkin seeds are all packed with zinc, which helps increase the immune system, and can give you super skin!
Brazil Nuts & Seeds
Brazil nuts and seeds are rich in selenium, which is vital for younger-looking skin. Selenium makes your skin supple and elastic by protecting it from free radical damage caused by pollution and sun exposure.
By incorporating exercise and optimum nutrition as part of your everyday lifestyle, you can turn back the clock and enjoy a healthy body, as well as an agile mind.
Yours in health,
Dr. Dannelle (DJ) Carlson, ND
Naturopathic Physician at Trilogy Redmond Ridge