The Right Foods to Fight Aging

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

25 May 2008 07:30 PM

Are you prepared to grow old gracefully? Or would you rather fight it, kicking and screaming? You don't need expensive treatments and strict regimens to feel and look younger -- the right diet choices can make a huge impact on your health!

One of the best things you can do is drink more water. I know, I tell you this all the time... but water is SO good for you! Here are just a few benefits of water:

• As you age, your sense of thirst can become less acute -- so you don't realize it when you are becoming dehydrated. Drinking more can prevent dehydration.
• As you age, your skin loses elasticity, leaving you with fine lines and eventually sagging and wrinkles. Drinking more can help keep your skin plump and smooth.

Not a fan of water? Try drinking herbal teas, unsweetened or lightly-sweetened juices, or fat free or low fat milk, too. Sip broth. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies -- they're full of liquid!

Another way to fight aging with food is to get plenty of antioxidants in your diet by eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. As you age, your body's natural antioxidant levels can drop, leaving you vulnerable to minor inconveniences like wrinkles... and more serious health issues like free radicals that can cause cancer. Eating foods of all colors can ensure that you get lots of different antioxidants.

Some of the important antioxidants are:

• Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers)
• Vitamin E (found in nuts and avocados)
• Polyphenols (found in berries)
• Quercetin (found in broccoli, apples, and onions)
• Carotenoids (found in orange veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes)

One more thing you can do to fight aging with food is to eat a variety of whole grains. Don't just reach for the white bread every time -- try different whole grains and your body will benefit from the antioxidants and fiber.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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