Eat Well and Slow Down the Aging Process

I don't think there's a one of us who wouldn't like to age gracefully, and the article below gives some great tips on dietary choices that can help us age more slowly, especially regarding the condition of our skin. Despite the multi-million dollar market for skin care products and anti-aging remedies, is important to remember that what we put into our bodies, especially if we choose highly nutritional, organic foods, can make a significant difference in the condition of our skin and affect other aging factors in a big way as well.

When growing or purchasing vegetables, fruits, and other foods high in antioxidants, be sure to find a source of organic, freshly grown produce that is free of pesticides, insecticides, and other toxic chemicals. If possible, growing your own is the best way to go. Locally grown items from a farmers market are also a good option, but you are limited by the growing season in most areas. Remember, fresh is always best, but if you can't get fresh, frozen is the next best choice, as freezing does not destroy as many nutrients as canning. It is always best to eat vegetables and fruits raw or minimally steamed if you want them cooked. The more of the natural antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients you can get into your system, the better the results and the younger you will look!


Natural Medicine
Last updated September 21, 2008 10:36 p.m. PT
Age gracefully with good nutrition

Aging is a natural life process. However, research shows that certain foods may slow the process and postpone the inevitable. Specifically, foods containing antioxidants can help you look and feel younger.

Antioxidants protect your cells from damage by free radicals. Scientists believe that free radical damage may be one of the main underlying reasons we age. Free radicals generally come from two places: natural production in the body as it carries out basic functions -- such as digestion and respiration -- and environmental sources such as chemicals, pollution, cigarette smoke, pesticides and UV sunlight.

While the body can make enough antioxidants to take care of the free radicals inside your body, it needs extra dietary (food) antioxidants to keep up with the outside sources. Fortunately, common antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E can easily be found in common plant-based foods.

Beta carotene is important for healthy skin and good vision and is found in orange and red foods, including sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, cherries, apricots, cantaloupe, watermelon, red bell pepper and tomatoes. It also can be found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and lettuces.

Vitamin C is involved in keeping skin firm and is found in oranges, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, watermelon, peppers, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, okra, snow peas, rutabagas, potatoes (with skin) and summer squash.

Vitamin E boosts the skin-protecting power of vitamin C and also protects the brain. Vitamin E can be found in nuts and seeds like almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, peanut butter and sunflower seeds. It also can be found in flaxseeds, wheat germ, extra virgin olive oil, avocados and whole grain cereals.

By eating colorful, antioxidant-rich foods every day, you protect your brain cells from memory loss, keep eyesight sharp, help fight wrinkles, boost energy levels and help slow the negative effects of aging.

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