Recent research shows that specific chemicals in foods -- such as sulforaphane, a phytochemical in broccoli -- work with your genes to ratchet up your body's natural defense systems, helping to inactivate toxins and free radicals before they can do the damage that leads to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and even premature aging.
And the
hope for the future is to be able to tell someone what diseases or maladies they
are might be genetically predispositioned to early on, so their diets can be
focused accordingly. We’ll know which
ones to add, which ones to avoid, and be able to take a proactive role in
preventing or deterring a genetic disease.
In the meantime, many foods have been determined to pack a punch to the
aging process.
Lycopene, the pigment that makes tomatoes
red, also appears to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and
macular degeneration. It’s also been associated in greater self-sufficiency in
elderly adults. While fresh tomatoes have a good hit of lycopene, the most
absorbable forms are found in cooked tomato products, such as spaghetti sauce
and soup and prepared salsas. Pink grapefruit, guava, red bell peppers, and
watermelon are also rich in lycopene.
So what foods help you live longer?
Eating at least two cups of orange fruits
like sweet potatoes, squash and carrots boosts intake of beta-carotene, which
converts to vitamin A, essential for healthy skin and eyes, and which may also
reduce the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.
Lutein and lycopene, also found in orange produce, also help reduce the risk of
macular degeneration and may protect skin from sun damage and even reduce
wrinkling as well. Mangos and cantaloupes are also beta-carotene endowed.
And if you don’t do anything else to change
your diet, eat your dark leafy greens. They have been showed to significantly
reduce your risk for heart disease and may also save your eyesight. Dietary
guidelines advise at least three cups of greens a week. Frozen or bagged is as
good as fresh.
Don’t forget the mental aging process
either. The heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids have also recently been shown to keep
your brain sharp. A recent study found that a higher intake of fatty fish
significantly reduced mental decline. If
fresh fish isn't an option, go for canned tuna, salmon, and sardines.
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