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Everybody grows old – but some grow old faster than normal. A lot of factors can be attributed to premature aging: improper skin care, insufficient exercise, high levels of stress and unhealthy diet. However, the environment around us can contribute to premature aging too.
The sun’s UV rays have become stronger and stronger because of our depleted ozone layer; air pollution; toxic chemicals sprayed on the food that we eat; and exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol are all culprits of premature aging.
According to the anti-aging research department of the US government, aging depends greatly on oxidation. Hence, it is important that you take in a lot of food, drinks and supplements that can provide you with enough supply of antioxidants – potent substances that help the body fight off the damaging effects of oxidation. The team leader of the research group, Patrick Holford, said that the amount of antioxidants that you have in your system is related directly to the length of time that you will live.
In search of antioxidants, here is a list of 8 anti-aging super foods that should be a part of your grocery shopping and menu planning lists:
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Various Vegetables and Fruits
There are specific chemicals in foods that can work up with the genes of your body to render assistance in the process of inactivating toxins and other free radicals in the natural defense system of your body. One good example of this would be tomatoes, which are commonly known to contain lycopene, a pigment that is responsible for giving the tomato its red color. Lycopene has been the subject of numerous studies and results have been one in saying that it appears to be able to reduce the risk of potential diseases like cancer and cardiovascular ailment. Even other forms of tomato like tomato sauce, paste and salsa can help in acting as a potent antioxidant in your body. This is also true when it comes to guava, pink grapefruit, watermelon and red bell peppers.
Fruits and vegetables that are filled with beta-carotene are also helpful. It is recommended that you eat at least two cups of orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots, squash and sweet potatoes. Lutein, which is also found in these fruits and veggies help in lessening the risk for macular degeneration and offer protection for the skin from damage caused by the sun; therefore, it can also reduce too much wrinkling.
Other fruits and vegetable you can consider always having around would be broccoli, blueberries, apples spinach and red grapes. Broccoli and its sprouts contain an essential phytochemical known as sulforaphane which stimulates the production of important enzymes that helps the body get rid of toxins. Generally, the young the broccoli is, the higher is its sulforaphane content. If you are not too fond of broccoli, go for other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage.
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Fish
30 years ago, a group of researchers conducted a study as to why people from Alaska were completely heart disease-free. It was discovered that their healthy hearts were due to the fact that they have been eating more amounts of fish compared to the rest of the world. Fish has been touted as a rich provider of omega-3 fatty acids which aids in the prevention of the cholesterol build up in the arteries. And it can even protect you from abnormal heartbeats. The American Heart Association suggests consuming at least two servings of fish in a week.
Aside from its effects on heart health, omega-3 can also make you think better, faster and smarter. Great sources would be sardines, tuna and salmon.
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Yogurt
Yogurt and other dairy products, for as long as they are low in fat, are known to be filled with vitamin D and calcium which can definitely help maintain your bones health – making them strong and healthy all the time. If you happen to be lactose intolerant, then you can choose to combine it with fortified soy milk. Soy has isoflavone that can reduce the risk of osteoporosis that is most likely to happen to those who aging.
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Green Tea
Green tea has sufficient amount of antioxidants that known as catechins, which protect against any occurrence of heart disease. A more recent study shows how much green tea can lessen the risk of breast cancer which affects majority of women who are approaching their middle and old age.
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Wine
When taken in moderation, wine can help in fighting off heart disease and memory loss that is related to aging. Beer can even protect the brain and the heart from oxidative damage according to Canadian researchers. However, red wine consumption had been the number one focus of numerous studies and research. It contains resveratrol that is capable of slowing down the signs of cellular aging.
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Olive Oil
It was about 40 years ago when a research team from the Seven Countries Study discovered that the monounsaturated fats in olive oil are contributing factors to the low rates of cancer and heart disease. It has polyphenols that are known as potent antioxidants which helps in the prevention of other age-related ailments.
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Ginger and Other Types of Spices
Half a teaspoon of herbs and spices that are rich in antioxidants can help in the prevention of any chronic disease. Examples of these would be thyme, cloves, cinnamon, oregano, sage, peppermint and many more. But above all, ginger is the one that has extreme power in supplying antioxidants that also possess inflammatory properties. On the other hand, curcumin, which is known as the hottest spice these modern day and age, has a turmeric component. According to various studies, it can greatly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
All these are just a few of the other anti-aging super foods that you’d discover when you do your own research. What matters is you that choose to take in those that you are comfortable with. There are lots of foods out there that you may have never thought as being healthy and once you discover them, you would also discover a natural way to keep yourself up and going without the need for medical intervention in the years ahead of your beautiful life.
Sources
timesonline.co.uk
shine.yahoo.com
more.com
more.com
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