Anti Aging and the Food Pyramid

Are You Getting Enough Of These Anti Aging Foods?

When we think of aging we often think about the external effects - the wrinkles, sagging and weight gain that makes us look older from the outside.  But what a lot of people don't realize is that you can help slow down the aging processes from the inside by eating a lot of anti aging foods. 

You've probably heard the expression you are what you eat, right?  Well, it really is true. 

The foods you eat today are what your body is using for fuel tomorrow.  If you eat foods that are a drag on your system and empty in nutrition, you will not have the vibrant energy and good looks that you want.  Eating too many fast foods like burgers and fries will not only put on weight but are also associated with many diseases.  Not getting enough vitamins and unsaturated fats in your diet can leave your skin and hair looking dull and dry.

Making sure you get enough of the right foods, ones that have antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals will not only improve your appearance but they will also help protect you from disease and Illness like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.  So, just what are these anti aging foods?

Fruits And Vegetables

Probably the best foods you can eat are fruits and vegetables.  They are loaded with vitamins and minerals and, when eaten raw, have powerful enzymes that actually help your body with the digestion process - leaving more energy for you to use on other things. 

Fruits and vegetables are also loaded with antioxidants which fight off free radicals.  Free radicals actually play a major role in aging and are thought the be major contributors to disease so the more of them you can fight off, the healthier and younger looking you will be!
   
Essential Fatty Acids

Fatty acids might not sound like something that are good for you, but they are.  The Omega-3 fatty acids in particular are essential for keeping your cell membranes fluid which helps with a host of body functions not the least of which is younger looking skin.  You can get these essential fatty acids from cold water fish like salmon and tuna, flax seed oil and walnuts.

Fiber

Fibre foods

Fiber is key to keeping your digestive process working and it can also help keep your cholesterol levels in check. While this might not do a lot for your outer appearance, it can do a whole heck of a lot for your insides and this in turn will help keep you vibrant and youthful. 

It's especially important to get enough to keep your bowel movements regular, after all, who can look energetic and youthful when they are constipated?  Fiber can be found in whole grains, black beans, pears, prunes and apples. 

When buying whole wheat breads, don't be fooled by the words whole wheat on the label. Look at the ingredients and make sure the very first one is whole wheat or whole grains.  Otherwise, you are not getting a full whole wheat product.

Finally, the last of the anti aging foods I want to talk about isn't really a food at all - it's water.  Plain and simple water.  You need to drink plenty of it to keep you hydrated.  This not only helps with the inner functions of your body but will also help your skin and hair look younger.

Here's a great guideline for the types of food you should use and in what proportions you should consume.

Here's to healthy living. Dave