What is the secret of youth?
Anti-wrinkle creams, plastic surgery or any magic potion? This may be a question that had crossed your mind at least once in your lifetime, and you may be surprised to find out that the answer is quite simple, actually. Neither one or the other. The secret comes from within, more precisely from the diet. Here you will find a list with some miraculous foods which due to their immunostimulant actions, anti-inflammatory proprieties or the ability to strengthen and protect the heart, bones, muscles, etc. are recommended to be consumed on a daily basis.(1)
Almonds are rich in energy and don’t generate „bad” cholesterol due to its content which in phytosterols. They are also beneficial for people with diabetes, causing low blood sugar. Almonds are rich in amino acids and help the process of muscle growth, thus proving suitable for children and adolescents. The increased content of vitamin E transforms almonds on valuable candidates for preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer and age-related eye damage (especially macular degeneration). Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that keeps arteries healthy by protecting them from free radicals.
Nuts are rich in Omega-3 and polyphenols. They also have a high content of proteins. This composition makes the nuts beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart. A handful of walnuts of about 30g (7 nuts) is welcomed anytime but mainly as a snack between meals.(2)
Olive oil – the variety of extra virgin (cold pressed) oil is rich in monounsaturated benefic fats.
Flax seeds are high in proteins and fibers. These small grains provide a significant amount of Omega-3 and fatty acids. Their use has been known to help reduce stains on the skin and the reduction of the wrinkles.
Green tea is a complex antioxidant with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. The researchers found that the consumption of 2 to 6 cups per day neutralizes the pathological changes that occur in the skin due to prolonged exposure to the sun. Other studies show that green tea is rich in an antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which stimulates the cardiovascular health and reduces the risk for several types of cancer.(3)
Rosemary is rich in carnosic acid. It has been known that that rosemary may protect against degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and fights against the general effects of aging.
Dark chocolate (85-90% cocoa) has a high percentage of flavonoids – substances that increase the blood flow to the brain, helping at the improving of the cognitive function. Dark chocolate containing 70% cocoa has in its composition a tannin called procyanidins which helps keep arteries flexible and a low blood pressure.
Ginger contains as main substance gingerol – similar to capsaicin in chili pepper or piperine. Studies have shown that gingerol has an unusually high effect against colon cancer. Ginger can be consumed fresh or added to various sauces.(4)
Cinnamon is best known as a spice for sweet desserts. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants that inhibit blood clotting and combats some bacteria including those responsible for causing bad breath (halitosis). Some studies suggest that cinnamon may help stabilize the blood sugar thus reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Whole grains – oatmeal, whole wheat, barley, oats, brown rice, etc. are fiber-rich foods that soothe inflamed tissues while maintaining a healthy heart, colon and also maintain the brain supplied with oxygen. Whole grains, even if they have in their composition carbohydrates in large quantities, are balanced foods, the release of carbohydrates being slow down by fibers. A half cup of whole grains contains 10 grams of protein and provides the energy needed for muscular balance.(5)
Yogurt and kefir – the benefits of probiotic organisms from yogurt cultures are undeniable natural. Those bacteria are beneficial to the body because they keep the digestive tract healthy, strengthen the immune system and protect against cancer.
Hot pepper stimulates the metabolism, the blood circulation and helps to the release of endorphins. Also, peppers are a great way to add flavor to food without increasing the fat content or calories. Hot pepper is also rich in beta-carotene, which is concentrated into vitamin A. The capsaicin from pepper fights against blood infections, inhabit specific peptides (biochemical substances) that inhibit inflammation.
Apples – an apple a day reduces inflammations of any kind due to quercetin, a potent natural antioxidant flavonoid which exists in many vegetables, fruits, and seeds. Quercetin reduces the risk of allergies, heart attack, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, prostate cancer and also lung cancer.(6)
Pomegranates – the juice in these fruits with many seeds can reduce the risk of most cancers, due to the polyphenols called ellagitannins – the one that gives these fruits the color red.
Pineapple – the broad mixture of vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes and, in particular, bromelain, is a cocktail of anti-inflammatory. Pineapples also protect against colon cancer, arthritis, and age-related macular degeneration. A half pineapple two r three times per weeks is the ideal portion.
Figs are rich in potassium, manganese, and antioxidants. These fruits adjust the pH levels in the body, making the pathogen invasion more difficult. The fibers in figs can cause low blood sugar, thus reducing the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. For consumption, it is good to pick figs which have a darker color. They can be eaten mixed with other fibers as such.
The list of foods that are beneficial to our body could continue on and on. There may be no magic potion to help us fight against the aging process, but there are some ailments which can help us slow down the process. It all consists in the attention we pay to what we eat. Before thinking of anti-wrinkle creams or plastic surgery try making changes in your diet and help your body maintain its health through natural ways.