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Aging Beautifully

Superfoods do a lot of things, but trying to turn a frog into a prince might be pushing it. Offering some benefits that can help you live a longer and more vigorous life, however, is definitely within their call of duty.

Eating superfoods helps you stay youthful, and the earlier you start with superfoods, the more age-defying benefits you can gain. Of course, these foods need to be a piece of the whole puzzle, not the sole solution for beautiful skin and a healthy body. Don't forget about smart lifestyle choices — like exercising regularly, giving up smoking, and so on — too.

Keeping that youthful glow

The health and beauty sections of every store from Wal-Mart to Macy's are stuffed with creams, lotions, cleansers, moisturizers, and make-up designed to minimize the signs of aging. But a diet that includes superfoods can do just as much — and even more — to keep your skin healthy and young-looking.

The skin deals with so many different factors — sun, pollution, extreme weather, and other irritants — that it needs a continual supply of antioxidants to help protect it. Fortunately, superfoods are chock-full of many of the main nutrients your skin needs, including:

Vitamins A, E, and C: These are all common additions to popular skin creams because they're helpful in protecting the skin and vital in repairing damaged skin. Common foods that contain high levels of these vitamins include carrots (vitamin A); nuts and seeds (vitamin E); spinach (vitamins A and E); and broccoli, strawberries, and oranges (vitamin C).

Zinc and selenium: Zinc, which is active in the synthesis of collagen, is another common addition to sunscreens and skin lotions. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc, as are nuts and beans. Selenium exhibits antioxidant effects that have been found to reduce skin cancer. Selenium is found in fish and nuts (especially Brazil nuts).

Bioflavonoids: Sometimes known as "vitamin P" because of their many benefits, bioflavonoids aren't really vitamins. They're the pigments found in the skins of colorful fruits and vegetables. These pigments contain concentrated antioxidants that actually are more powerful than vitamins. They help increase vitamin C levels and reduce destruction of collagen in the skin.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): This is a fatty acid made by the body and found in foods such as broccoli and spinach. Although the body produces ALA, it doesn't make nearly enough to be helpful for fighting disease and inflammation. Plus, your body produces less as you age, so making sure you get enough from your diet becomes even more important the older you get. Alpha-lipoic acid not only has antioxidant properties, but also can help recycle some vitamins and other antioxidants.

Pumping up your pep

Gaining some super sensations from what you eat and drink is a common goal. How often have you told co-workers you need coffee or chocolate or an "energy" drink to get you through the slumps in your day? The problem with artificial stimulants is that they often pose unwanted dangers to your body. Plus, many of these options are high in sugar and artificial additives. A better option: Go natural and use superfoods to put some pep in your step.

Getting a natural boost of energy is important not only for getting through your daily routine, but also for summoning extra energy to tackle your exercise program or other activities. When you use the right foods and eat small meals throughout the day, you can really ramp up your metabolism and get that extra energy you need.

If you're on the go and can't find the time to grab a healthy meal, these superfoods can be a great option:

Goji berries: Rich in antioxidants, goji berries have been used in Chinese medicine for years. They've also been found to help boost energy and enhance your mood.

Green tea: This is another superfood that has been used for hundreds of years. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea's effect on energy was similar to that of caffeine.

Chia seed: The Aztecs used chia seeds to prepare for battles and long explorations. The seeds can absorb ten times their weight and are slow to digest, offering sustained energy for several hours. Chia seeds can be added to protein shakes or other meals to help give you that sustained energy throughout the day.

Quinoa: This protein-rich seed, though considered a grain, is actually a leafy plant that's related to spinach and beets, and it can give you a power punch. Much as Aztecs used chia, the Incas used quinoa as a source of energy for their battles.

Seeing — and believing

Many bodily functions change with age, and vision is no exception. Many people develop the need for some type of visual correction as they grow older. Just like other age-related conditions that can be alleviated by superfoods, the eyes can be aided by the following superfood constituents:

Beta carotene: You've probably heard that eating carrots is supposed to help improve your vision and reduce your risk for macular degeneration, a progressive disease of the retina that affects the light-sensing cells, causing blurring or blind spots in your central vision. That's because carrots contain a lot of beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Beta carotene is virtually a staple ingredient in vision-related nutritional supplements.

Acanthocyanins: These are bioflavonoids that give color to the skin of fruits and veggies. Their antioxidant properties help protect not only your eyes, but other organ systems as well.

Lutein: Lutein is concentrated in your retinas. Carrots have high levels of lutein. Other good sources are broccoli, spinach, and orange and yellow fruits. Kale not only has lutein but also is a great source of vitamin A.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s protect the light-sensing cells in your eyes. One Harvard study found that people who eat fish at least twice a week cut their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration in half. Other studies found that omega-3s also may be helpful in reducing cataracts.

See also:

Cranberry Juice

Grapefruit Benefits

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