Many scientists believe that chronic inflammation, which is caused by various factors such as a bad diet, smoking and stress, triggers symptoms of aging. So step on the cigarette butt, let go of what’s stressing you out, and clean up your diet with these nutrient dense, inflammation fighting foods, to help you obtain optimal health and slow the internal clock of aging.
• Berry up! All berries – raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and other berries are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins which helps to slow the aging process. The darker in color a berry is, the higher the amount of antioxidants. A daily cup of berries will help fight the inflammation that leads to aging.
• Tasty Tomatoes. Vine ripe, plum, cherry, grape, they are all rich in the antioxidant Lycopene which is what gives tomatoes their vibrant color. A recent study reported that men who ate 10 servings of tomato-based foods weekly reduced their risk of prostate cancer by 45 percent.
• Bunches of Broccoli. Broccoli is loaded chromium and other vitamins and minerals that help slow the aging process and boost brain function. Broccoli and other crucifer vegetables such as cabbage and brussels sprouts, contain sulforaphane which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke as well as cancer. Two servings of crucifer vegetables daily is the recommendations by nutrition experts.
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• Green tea & White tea. Green and white teas contain generous amounts of EGCG, a powerful antioxidant linked to a lower risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and numerous types of cancer. Green tea specifically, contains rich amounts of Catechins, an antioxidant compound that may also protect aging eyes from glaucoma. According to a Japanese study, individuals who drink more than three cups of green tea each day live longer.
• Fresh Fish. NON-farm raised fish, like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, contain omega-3 fatty acids which has been shown to fight many of the diseases of aging, including cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends two servings a week.
• Nuts to You. Nuts contain inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. One study found that those who ate a handful of nuts every day had 60 percent fewer heart attacks than those who ate nuts less than once a month. Another benefit of nuts is that they help produce elastin and collagen, compounds that keep skin looking young. Any nut will do!
• Chocolate Cravings. Studies have shown that dark chocolate boosts brain function and lowers blood pressure, and another study found that small amounts of chocolate daily could reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by almost 40 percent. However, experts recommend only 1 to 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate please.
• Coffee Cafe. You can have your coffee and not feel guilty as it is rich in antioxidants. We did say COFFEE, not Lattes with whip creme, milk and sugar. Studies have found coffee lowers the risk of many diseases of aging including dementia, heart disease, gout, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.
• Red, red, wine. A moderate amount of wine each day — two glasses — can protect against many of the diseases of aging including heart attack, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, and several types of cancer. Wine can also help reduce the number of precancerous skin lesions called actinic keratoses.
