The fountain of youth may lie in a specific source. And this may seem too good to be true, but it really isn’t: scientific experts on aging have found that foods seem to greatly influence aging by delaying this natural process.
To live longer, it is essential to reduce the risks for diseases and increase the intake of vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system. According to the report named “The State of Aging and Health in America,” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diets that are rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the possibility of developing certain types of cancer and chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. However, only 26% of Hispanics meet the daily recommendation of eating five or six servings of fruits and vegetables per day. “Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and other substances that enhance health,” the report specified. In addition, many fruits and vegetables have antioxidants that help fight free radicals which cause cell damage, including the nervous system and the brain.
Therefore, the key to vitality and energy is to add healthy foods to our diet, while eliminating those that are not beneficial to our health.
• Foods that promote aging:
o Fried foods, whipped creams, cakes, and cookies:by raising cholesterol levels, fatty foods increase the risk of heart attacks. Avoid foods with more than 30% fat.
o Salt:according to the World Health Organization (WHO), we should consume 5 grams of salt per day. If this amount is exceeded, there’s a higher risk of developing high blood pressure or heart disease.
o Sugar:a high blood sugar level can cause tissue and cell damage. It is also associated with cardiovascular disease.
o Alcohol:alcoholic beverages, except for red wine in moderation, increase blood pressure, impair liver function, and promote fat storage.
• Foods that delay aging:
o Dairies and fish oil:provide vitamin D, essential for preventing osteoporosis.
o Lean white meats:turkey, chicken and fish have approximately 25% fewer calories than red meat and half the fat. White meats are also higher in minerals, like zinc and iron, which are beneficial to health.
o Red fruits:contain antioxidant substances.
o Avocado:helps reduce cholesterol and contains vitamin E, which rejuvenates the skin. It also has potassium, which promotes the elimination of liquids.
o Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and watercress:help prevent cancer and toxins.
o Garlic:eating a clove of garlic per day reduces the chance of developing colon cancer.
o Nuts:improve the immune system.
Now that you know more about the foods that can help you live longer and healthier, you may say you’ve found the formula to rejuvenate yourself: + fruits + vegetables – fats – salt – sugar = + years.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Merck Company Foundation. The State of Aging and Health in America 2007.
