by Rita Chaney

Created on: February 16, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Foods that fight aging are convenient and available to most of us. Simply by visiting your local grocery store, you can discover the real secrets of the fountain of youth. Many people believe that consuming the right foods leads to living long, happy, and youthful lives. After all, aren't we all after smooth and supple skin and a young, vibrant appearance? Plus, daily consumption of some foods fight cancer, Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, and heart disease, thus assuring you will live a longer, more fulfilling existence.

Foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 are well-known for their anti-aging properties. Even vitamin E is regarded in the nutrition world as anti-aging, given its capacity to arrest plaque development in arteries. To ensure a healthy diet, according to Mayo Clinic, everyone should eat between three and five fruit servings per day, plus four to eight servings of vegetables. Selecting foods that combat the negative effects of aging may not only lengthen your life, they will allow you to liver a happier, healthier one.

Foods with Antioxidants

Health experts explain that part of the aging process involves cells morphing into unusable bits, which results in dysfunctional cells. Other cells are destroyed due to "free radicals"harmful chemicals that attack our bodies at the cellular level (Carper). Thus, if we consume plenty of foods containing antioxidants, we are increasing the strength of our cells to fight off those free radicals.

Several fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants. Think "colorful" when you are shopping for produce that contain antioxidants. Apples, blueberries, oranges, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables contain antioxidants. Legumes/beans of many different varieties also fill the bill, as do peanuts. Broccoli is another healthy choice that provides antioxidants.

Blueberries are the mother lode of healthy fruits-they are even touted as short-term memory boosters. All kinds of berries are also considered to be anti-aging, due to their antioxidant content. Acai berries, for example, help increase your energy and are believed to contribute to losing weight. Melons of many varieties possess anti-aging powers due to their antioxidant values.

Sweet potatoes, known for their antioxidant qualities, are also a good source of beta carotene, which is found to decrease cancer while slowing the aging process. Even onions, lima beans, pears, and celery are seen as important sources of antioxidants believed to retard aging. Olive oil and

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>