The 5 natural anti-aging weapons in your kitchen

 

Unfortunately, we all get older with each day passing by. However, some people seem to age more gracefully and significantly slower—and it is more and more common for people to try to compensate with supplements, creams, or even surgeries.  Whether we like to hear it or not, our diet. is the key element determining the state and health of our body. What we eat directly impacts how we look and feel. So what exactly ages us and how can we slow down the inevitable? Aging of the body is a physiological process when the organism slows down its biological functions, resulting in a lowered ability to regenerate and adapt. It is deeply related to oxidative stress, during which a large amount of toxic “free radicals” are produced. Their amount significantly impacts our body, increasing damage and pathological conditions often linked to aging. It is believed that oxidative stress is responsible for: inflammatory diseases (arthritis, vasculitis, adult respiratory disease syndrome) ischemic diseases (heart diseases, strokes) neurological disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, muscle dystrophy) What is the way out then? Is there even one? Fortunately, there are more than many… Our doctors often preach the importance of antioxidants, and it’s for a good reason. Antioxidants are molecules capable of neutralizing rampaging free radicals, by donating electrons to them. These antioxidants can easily delay the erosion of our body and inhibit cellular damage. They act as cleaners that have the ability to scavenge free radicals before they damage our vital organs and molecules. Funnily enough, there are some enzymes inside us that do a similar job… But they aren’t manufactured in the body, so we must supplement these micronutrients through diet.  What to include in your diet to prevent aging and lower oxidative stress?  Here are some top ingredients to consider: Turmeric: A study from 2011 has shown that Turmeric can lower cholesterol and play a huge part in managing heart diseases. Research also suggests that Turmeric is able to reduce the spread of cancer and reduce the negative effects of chemotherapy. Some people refer to it as “brain food”, as it is believed to help with mood disorders, or even depression and anxiety. Green tea: Antioxidants found in green tea may reduce and prevent the severity of arthritis, reduce low-density cholesterol, and have anti-stress effects. Extracts of green tea have powerful skin-healing abilities and can help rebuild skin damage after radiation therapy. Applying it topically can help defend the skin from environmental factors that have many negative effects. Resveratrol: Found in the skin of red grapes, it is also present in peanuts, berries, and… red wine! As found in a Chinese study from 2018, besides reducing inflammation, the spread of cancer and protecting nerve cells from damage, resveratrol is also said to prevent insulin resistance. It is also believed that it protects the body from the effects of obesity and visible aging. Be careful with the wine though… Vitamin C: We’re in the minority of animals who can’t produce Vitamin C, hence why it’s a must-have in everyone’s diet. It can be found in berries, broccoli, grapefruit, kiwi, mango, sweet potatoes, and many more. Vitamin C is responsible for reducing the risk of chronic diseases, lowering blood pressure, and preventing iron deficiency. Vitamin E: This compound is known for making skin appear younger and reducing inflammation. Vitamin E also possess anti-cancer properties. The best sources of Vitamin E include avocados, kiwis, and mangos. The modern market quickly hopped on the antioxidant train, offering us countless supplements, creams, and pills. While there is nothing wrong with using them here and there, we strongly encourage you to take in as many antioxidants via natural sources and whole foods. Bon Appetit!

Yours in good health, Andrew Peloquin Editor-in-Chief, The Longevity Journal