by Indie Wolf

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

Foods that Fight Aging

Are memory loss, arthritis, heart disease and cancer all an inevitable part of getting older? For many generations it has been widely accepted that the maladies often accompanying the passing of years are largely unavoidable. What if it isn't true? What if you really do have more control over the way your body and mind age?

And if so, are there certain foods that fight aging?

In order to determine which foods may provide anti-aging benefits, it is important to understand a bit about what causes physical and mental degeneration. Here is a very basic description of the progression in reverse, from diseases to symptoms to causes:

1. Some of the diseases that are associated with advancing age are Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

2. These diseases have a number of symptoms and contributing factors in common, including physical and emotional stress, elevated levels of toxins, blood sugar instability, digestive issues, high acid levels, immune system dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and nutrient deficiency.

3. Numerous studies have shown direct links between these conditions and two processes known as oxidation and inflammation. Oxidation is a necessary reaction that happens when the body breaks down food. The negative effects occur when the rate of oxidation exceeds the body's ability to neutralize the resulting products free radicals which can cause damage to your cells. Inflammation is also a necessary physical reaction, and is basically defined as an immune response to irritation, injury or an infection. When overactive, this system can cause chronic swelling and damage in the joints and other tissues of the body. This process also leads to fatty deposits collecting as plaque in the arteries, leading to compromises in the cardiovascular system.

Though genetics, environment and other lifestyle factors do play a role, recent research is building a strong case for how much influence diet has over this progression, and therefore the manner and rate at which a person ages. And with diet being one of the areas where you have the most conscious control, the foods you eat may be your best defense against the negative aspects of aging. While each person has individual biochemical needs, and no one nutritional program works perfectly for everyone, there are some general guidelines.

Foods that promote aging:

1. Processed and enriched foods - these foods are devoid of essential

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