Anti-Aging Diet

We all age with the passing of time. It is an inescapable part of life. However, with an effective anti-aging diet plan, we can halt the aging process for a life of wellness and longevity.

The Aging Process

Although we grow wiser with age, our body’s natural process is to begin slowing itself down. After a certain age, or age range, we do not require as much energy as we did when our bodies were still developing and growing. One example for the reason behind this decreased energy need is our bones decreased ability to deposit calcium into our bones at or around 35 years old. There are literally hundreds of cellular processes that require energy during our first half, but not as much thereafter.

The aging process also involves the generation of unstable molecules known as free radicals at a cellular level in our bodies. Free radicals, as you may have heard, are the culprit for a multitude of health conditions due to their ability to interrupt the normal cell process. Common results of free radical activity include wrinkling of the skin, degenerative eye diseases, and cancer.

The Anti-Aging Diet

Antioxidants

It would make sense that if free radicals are the enemies, then we need a weapon of defense to stop the fight, better known as aging. Fortunately, scientific research has uncovered the ever-so-powerful effects of antioxidants. Even better, antioxidants have been found in a number of foods. Vitamin A, C, E and the mineral, selenium, known as the ACES, have been found to be the answer to destroying free radical activity. Beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein have been singled out as extremely potent antioxidants. A short list of foods rich in antioxidants include:

• Oranges
• Carrots
• Pomegranates
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Soy
• Almonds
• Avocados
• Sweet potatoes
• Apricots
• Wheat germ
• Tomatoes
• Spinach
• Pink grapefruit
• Broccoli

A word about selenium: Although selenium is not actually an antioxidant compound, but rather a mineral, it remains a beneficial component to the anti-aging diet. It differs from the other compounds because it is strictly found in the soil. It finds its way into our food supply in two ways: either from the direct contact with the produce we eat or through the meat of the poultry and beef we eat that are raised on selenium-rich soils where the feed is grown.

Calorie Requirement

A major piece to the anti-aging diet puzzle is the nutrition equation of calories in vs. calories out. As mentioned earlier, the human body needs fewer calories as metabolic functioning winds down to second or third gear. Hence, in order to maintain a healthy body weight as we grow older, we need to eat less to keep the unused calories from landing into storage space of hips, thighs, belly and such. The importance of this calorie reduction cannot be understated since a healthy weight is vital to the prevention of several age-provoked diseases. Examples include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and some cancers. Here are a few ways besides eating less to keep metabolic activity as high as possible:

1. Eat 4 – 5 small meals per day
2. Include nutrient-dense foods instead of “empty calorie” foods (since you need the same amount of nutrients, but fewer calories)
3. Engage in weight-bearing exercise on a daily basis (muscle mass burns calories at a higher rate than fat mass)
4. Measure food servings to ensure proper portions and adjust amounts accordingly. See the food guide pyramid for appropriate serving sizes
5. Drink at least 8 - 12 cups of water per day

Other Important Anti-Aging Nutrients

There are specific areas of the body that need our special attention as the years sail on by. Bones, eyes, heart, and joints are highly vulnerable to the effects of aging. For this reason, the following tips will help promote optimal function throughout the years:

• Calcium: To prevent bone loss and fractures
• Vitamin A: To prevent macular degeneration of the eyes
• Phytonutrients: To prevent certain cancers
• Fiber: To prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol and to prevent colorectal cancer
• Vitamin B6: To prevent insomnia, to lower homocysteine levels shown to increase risk of stroke
• Unsaturated fats/Omega-3: To prevent heart disease, arthritic ailments, and certain cancers.
• Water: To prevent dehydration and keep organ systems working properly, as well as ridding the body of toxins. Water also keeps the skin looking healthy by providing the hydration it needs to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

It is important to point out that while the above guidelines are vital to an anti-aging diet, persons of every age can benefit from the eating a healthy diet outlined here.