Foods that Slow the Aging Process

It seems as if everyone is looking for The Fountain of Youth. We buy lotions, creams, and vitamin supplements that claim to slow, or reduce the signs of aging. What if I told you that what you need to slow the aging process does not come in a jar or pill, and instead can be found in common foods? This is absolutely correct. Science has shown that the secret to slowing down the aging process exists in these foods.

Garlic
Garlic contains a super-antioxidant, allicin, that prevents the breakdown of the cells in the body that causes aging. Garlic also possesses antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties that combat MRSA, yeast infections, and viral as well as bacterial illnesses. Garlic has also been shown to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

Blueberries

Tufts University published a study that proves that the pigment anthocyanin that gives blueberries their purple color fights oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress is the gradual damage inflicted on cells by free radical agents that causes cell aging. Blueberries also stimulate dopamine production, aid in the prevention of certain cancers, heart disease, and stroke, and prevent brain aging.

Broccoli
Broccoli is full of antioxidants that prevents cell damage that contributes to the aging process. Broccoli contains high amounts of isothiocyanates that help the body’s natural cancer-fighting abilities. This cruciferous vegetable can aid in the prevention of lung, bladder, breast, and prostate cancers.

Eggs
Eggs are no longer a dietary no-no. Eggs contain vital, naturally occurring Vitamin D, as well as 9 essential amino acids that serve as neurotransmitters and components of muscles. The proteins that are contained in eggs are necessary for maintenance and repair of body tissues.

Prunes
The study from Tufts University used the Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity, or ORAC scale to determine that Prunes ranked high on the list of foods that slows the aging process. Prunes were shown to reduce oxidative stress that causes cell aging, and reduce long-term memory loss.

In addition to foods that slow the aging process, there are other measures that you can take. Smoking ages the skin and cells, so if you are a smoker, now is the perfect time to quit. The cells in your body require water to function properly, so make sure to stay hydrated. Finally, during sleep is the time when your body repairs itself, so make sure that you are getting a full eight hours of rest a night.