If it’s true that eating large amounts of processed foods and fats is not good for us, it’s only reasonable that there must be some alternate foods that are good for us. If we can find those foods and include them in our diets on a regular basis we ought to be able to extend the average lifespan by at least a few years. According to some scientists and nutritionists that’s a very real possibility.
Free Radicals
If you’ve never heard the term “free radicals” rest assured that they are not terrorists recently let out of jail. They are certain types of oxygen molecules known to encourage the onset of things like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, certain types of cancers, osteoporosis, and others. Foods rich in anti-oxidants help reduce the levels of free radicals which in turn help to reduce the likelihood of many of these diseases. Fish and richly colored vegetables are just two examples of such foods.
In combination with reducing free radicals an anti aging diet also must include foods with natural anti-inflammatory defects. That’s because inflammation is a normal part of aging and something that is quite destructive at the cellular level. Foods that reduce inflammation are helpful in treating things like rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, muscle deterioration, and so forth. Interestingly enough, many of the foods that are rich in anti-oxidants also have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Fats: Essential and Nonessential
Believe it or not, not all fats are created equal; some are actually good for us. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, are necessary for healthy skin. They are also anti-inflammatory, helpful to the immune system, and beneficial to promoting the natural healthy benefits of moderate sunlight. Tuna is one of the best sources of these types of fatty acids. On the other hand, trans fats and saturated fats are not good for us. Reducing their levels in our diets can help stave off coronary disease, heart attacks, vascular disease, and some types of cancers.
Water and Tea
We all know that water is important, but it is especially beneficial in an anti aging diet along with green tea. Water keeps us well hydrated while green tea contains a fair amount of anti-oxidants. Green tea also possesses some anti-inflammatory properties as well. Doctors suggest that green tea is most effective in helping to promote healthy skin and ward off certain types of non melanoma skin cancer. And since our skin is our first immunological defense, a good anti-aging diet should address it adequately.
