Can My Diet Prevent Aging?

Healthy foods and healthy eating habits are the key for feeling and looking young. Moreover, healthy foods protect the body against a number of debilitating and chronic conditions, which add to the woes of aging. Healthy foods are known to prevent common conditions that normally develop with age like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Some of the foods are known to improve eyesight and hearing, two senses which are often affected during aging. Needless to say, having the right food protects you from Alzheimer’s and other diseases that are common among elderly people.

What foods should one have and what are their benefits?

• Fruits and vegetables – At the top of the chart are the fruits and vegetables which provide antioxidant qualities which prevent cell damage by radicals. Cell damage is obvious in the signs of aging like wrinkles. Opt for colorful ones, like red tomatoes, blueberries, carrots, corn, pepper, oranges and greens. One should include about six to seven servings of these anti-aging foods in a day. These foods are rich in vitamin C, zinc and beta carotene, three components which help in preventing macular degeneration, a disease that often leads to vision loss. They are also good at reducing the speed of disease progression in those who already have the symptoms of macular degeneration. Grapes and red wine are known to reduce the chances of developing cancer and heart disease. Studies show that eating more of green vegetables reduces the number of wrinkles on face.
• Whole grains – One should have about three servings of whole grains in a day. They are rich in fiber and are seen in oats, quinoa, barley, wheat and brown rice. Including whole grains will help in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Omega-3-fatty acids – These essential anti-aging food helps to reduce the risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s and protect heart from chronic conditions. These substances are present in abundance in salmon, trout and tuna.
• Dairy products – Calcium and vitamin D in food helps to develop strong bones preventing osteoporosis and regulate the levels of cholesterol in blood.
• Nuts – Eating nuts helps to reduce the risk of hypertension and high levels of cholesterol in blood.
• Beans and lentils – This can replace the high fat-containing red meat which is often the cause of a number of campaigns.

One should also avoid having high-fat dairy and meat products. Restrict the amount of sugar and salt intake.