Live Longer With Anti-Aging - Healthy Aging                Subscribe Now!

Live longer and healthier - with Nutrition and Lifestyle Modification.

ANTI-OXIDANTS + HEALTHY LIFESTYLE = ANTI-AGING

The million dollar question - How can I live longer and healthier? Healthy aging or anti-aging means living a longer, healthier life. The following tips are your best defence against aging... • A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients • Regular physical activity • Adequate rest • Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol • Leading a stress free life • Drinking plenty of water   If I could make an anti-aging wish come true, I would wish for... • Fewer wrinkles, supple skin, lean body • No memory loss, • Top notch brain function • Plenty of energy • Stress free life • No heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, or cancer   So, How do I get started • Lose weight and eat right • Exercise for longevity • Stop smoking for good • Go easy on alcohol (reduce or avoid) • Try to reduce exposure to pollution /smoke • Control blood pressure • Prevent/control diabetes • Get adequate sleep

How do antioxidants - phytonutrients work?

Though genetics and family history do affect how long you will live; it is your lifestyle choices and environment that ultimately determine lifespan and keep you young as you age.

Some foods and beverages contain powerful substances called phytonutrients that some studies have shown to have apositive impact on longevity. Phytonutrients, which are members of the antioxidant family, gather up "free radicals" -- Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food, or by environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation. Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases including Alzheimer's disease. This has resulted in the belief that antioxidants and other age-preventing compounds help cells ward off damage from free radicals and reduce the effects of aging.

What Foods Are Good For Anti- Aging - Antioxidants?   Foods rich in any or mixture of the antioxidants listed below.   • Beta-carotene • Lutein • Lycopene • Selenium • Vitamin A • Vitamin C • Vitamin E   These can protect against serious degenerative diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and heart disease as well as conditions such as extreme climatic conditions which lead to premature aging. Rich sources of these nutrients are colorful raw fruits and vegetables.

What Foods hasten aging and are harmful to our cells?

Junk foods rich in saturated fats or trans fats or foods low in fiber as well as caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes (lifestyle habits that are significant risk factors for chronic lifestyle diseases) hasten the aging process. A high intake of such substances inhibits the absorption of calcium by the skeletal system and speeds up the process of demineralization. They also destroy Vitamin B and C reserves in the body leading to overall deterioration in general health.

How Can One Slow Down Aging?

Nutrition is the easiest of all the ways and means to remain young. Here are some food facts and tips that will help out. infact age related changes can be counteracted by consuming foods and beverages that are both antiinflammatory and rich in antioxidants.

• Getting balanced nutrition • Reducing intake of saturated or trans fats, increasing intake of Omega 3 fatty acids • Consuming adequate amounts of whole grains • Increasing exercise • Adequate water intake • Reduce stress • Reduce unnecessary exposure to ultraviolet rays

What should my balanced diet look like?

Carbohydrates - For the ideal diet as we age it is important to ensure that 60 to 65 per cent of our daily diet should consist of carbohydrates. Of this amount 55% should be from complex carbohydrates and as little as 10 per cent should come from simple carbohydrates. At minimum, consume four servings of whole-grains. A diet should not have more then 20 to 30 per cent fat content, and 15 to 20 per cent protein content. A balanced diet will maintain a healthy composition and weight. Whole grains provide soluble fiber to help lower blood cholesterol levels, and also have phytonutrient content equal to any fruit or vegetable.     Fruits & Vegetables - Fruits and vegetables are a nutrient powerhouse of antioxidants. The brighter the color the better and richer the nutrition. Enjoy at least 5 servings per day for maximum benefits. One should aim to get 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day by consuming a minimum of two servings of fruit, three servings of vegetables.     Proteins - Fish is loaded with antioxidants. Follow the guidelines of the American Heart Association and eat twice weekly, especially the fatty kind that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This is a powerful anti-inflammatory food that offers a multitude of health benefits. Legumes are amazing powerhouses of nutrition- critical for vegetarians. These lentils are protein rich and have very few calories. Add them to your diet 3 to 4 times a week.     Dairy - Yogurt has all the benefits of dairy foods, plus probiotics that help add healthy bacteria to the digestive tract. It is recommended that we consume 3 low fat dairy servings each day with atleast some having live cultures. Low-fat milk and low-fat cottage cheese are excellent as well.     Water is critical. Every tissue and cell in the body is composed of water and functions optimally only in the presence of adequate water levels. Degeneration associated with ageing occurs rapidly with inadequate intake of water. Consume at least 8 glasses of water daily.     Dietary fat is very easily converted to body fat, so controlling fat intake is important in controlling the weight gain associated with ageing. However, omega-3-fats are good to keep brain healthy and active. Nuts are a great source of B vitamins that are good for your heart and your brain. The healthy fats in nuts benefit the elastin and collagen in skin, helping to maintaining skin's structure and keep it resilient. Small portions are advised, as nuts are high in calories.

To do your best to ward off aging, experts agree that a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, wearing sunscreen, avoiding tobacco, regular sleep, and a nutritious diet is the answer.