Thursday, February 14, 2008

Anti Aging

Anti Aging

We all age with the passing of time It is an inescapable part of life However with an effective antiaging diet plan we can halt the aging process for a life of wellness and longevity.Although we grow wiser with age our bodys natural process is to begin slowing itself down After a certain age or age range we do not require as much energy as we did when our bodies were still developing and growing One example for the reason behind this decreased energy need is our bones decreased ability to deposit calcium into our bones at or around 35 years old There are literally hundreds of cellular processes that require energy during our first half but not as much thereafter The aging process also involves the generation of unstable molecules known as free radicals at a cellular level in our bodies Free radicals as you may have heard are the culprit for a multitude of health conditions due to their ability to interrupt the normal cell process Common results of free radical activity include wrinkling of the skin degenerative eye diseases and cancer

It would make sense that if free radicals are the enemies then we need a weapon of defense to stop the fight better known as aging Fortunately scientific research has uncovered the eversopowerful effects of antioxidants Even better antioxidants have been found in a number of foods Vitamin A C E and the mineral selenium known as the ACES have been found to be the answer to destroying free radical activity Betacarotene lycopene and lutein have been singled out as extremely potent antioxidants A short list of foods rich in antioxidants include

Oranges
Carrots
Pomegranates
Blueberries
Strawberries
Soy
Almonds
Avocados
Sweet potatoes
Apricots
Wheat germ
Tomatoes
Spinach
Pink grapefruit
Broccoli

A word about selenium Although selenium is not actually an antioxidant compound but rather a mineral it remains a beneficial component to the antiaging diet It differs from the other compounds because it is strictly found in the soil It finds its way into our food supply in two ways either from the direct contact with the produce we eat or through the meat of the poultry and beef we eat that are raised on seleniumrich soils where the feed is grown

A major piece to the antiaging diet puzzle is the nutrition equation of calories in vs calories out As mentioned earlier the human body needs fewer calories as metabolic functioning winds down to second or third gear Hence in order to maintain a healthy body weight as we grow older we need to eat less to keep the unused calories from landing into storage space of hips thighs belly and such The importance of this calorie reduction cannot be understated since a healthy weight is vital to the prevention of several ageprovoked diseases Examples include diabetes cardiovascular disease arthritis and some cancers Here are a few ways besides eating less to keep metabolic activity as high as possible
Eat 4 5 small meals per day
Include nutrientdense foods instead of empty calorie foods since you need the same amount of nutrients but fewer calories

Engage in weightbearing exercise on a daily basis muscle mass burns calories at a higher rate than fat mass
Measure food servings to ensure proper portions and adjust amounts accordingly See the food guide pyramid for appropriate serving sizes

Drink at least 8 12 cups of water per day

Other Important AntiAging Nutrients

There are specific areas of the body that need our special attention as the years sail on by Bones eyes heart and joints are highly vulnerable to the effects of aging For this reason the following tips will help promote optimal function throughout the years

Calcium To prevent bone loss and fractures
Vitamin A To prevent macular degeneration of the eyes
Phytonutrients To prevent certain cancers
Fiber To prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol and to prevent colorectal cancer
Vitamin B6 To prevent insomnia to lower homocysteine levels shown to increase risk of stroke
Unsaturated fats Omega3 To prevent heart disease arthritic ailments and certain cancers
Water To prevent dehydration and keep organ systems working properly as well as ridding the body of toxins Water also keeps the skin looking healthy by providing the hydration it needs to minimize fine lines and wrinkles

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