Exercise is a great way to help you live longer. But the Good Housekeeping Institute's nutrition director, Delia Hammock, says what you eat can help slow down aging, too.
A growing number of research studies suggest that eating certain foods can lower our risk of age-related health problems such as hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, cancer, which in turn lead to premature aging and possibly death.
Fortified whole grain cereals may protect against heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Best bets include Cheerios, Wheat Chex, and All-Bran.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have found that broccoli contains the substance called sulforphane, that seems to be particularly effective at blocking colon tumors.
Leafy greens like spinach-- fresh, frozen, or canned-- are filled with antioxidants, which fight chronic degenerative diseases. So are colorful berries, especially blueberries.
Animal studies done at Tufts University suggest that blueberries may actually help prevent declines in coordination and balance, both of which are signs of brain aging.
Nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts have great cardio-protective powers. A Harvard study found that women who ate more than five ounces of nuts weekly cut their risk of heart disease by 35 percent. I'm Rena Maliszewski for today's Good Housekeeping Report.