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Ever see a peeled apple turn brown after a few minutes? That is oxidation, the same process that takes place within your body at the cellular level. But if you put lemon juice on the apple, it prevents the browning. That juice contains ascorbic acid, vitamin C, which is an anti-oxidant. Oxidation creates inflammation, which ages the body more rapidly. Stress, smoke, alcohol and many other things cause inflammation, but you can fight it by using anti-oxidants, and they are contained in many fresh vegetables and fruits. .

Just because a person gets older is no reason why the skin should get wrinkled, at least not to the degree often seen. The omega-3 fat components, found in salmon and sardines for instance, reduce inflammation, and subsequently aging, as does consuming colorful fruits and vegetables.

The anti-oxidants in vegetables like broccoli, carrots and squash protect your body from aging. Vegetables also contain vitamins. Let's take a look at different anti-oxidants, so that we may apply their miraculous benefits to our own anti-aging regimen.

Beta-Carotene is found in dark leafy vegetables, and also in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables.

Carotenoids are found in spinach and kale. Get to know Kale; it is a nutritional powerhouse, having twice the recommended allowance for vitamin A, as well as plenty of calcium, vitamin C and vitamin E.

Catechins are in berries and green tea.

Isoflavones are found in beans, peas and peanuts.

Lycopene is found in tomatoes, red grapefruits and red bell peppers,

Resveratrol is found in Concord grape juice, and is also a great heart health protector.

These are some of the known powerful anti-aging fighters. But you don't have to memorize them to benefit from them. The foods on your plate should be moderate portions and the vegetables should be bright, and deeply colorful. It is these bright colors that indicate the presence of anti-oxidants. The brighter and more colorful they are, the richer in anti-oxidants.

Steaming your vegetables is a great way to preserve flavor and anti-oxidant nutrients. Season your broccoli with butter-flavored salt, or a sprinkle of lemon juice. When you steam your vegetables till done, but not limp or mushy; you will appreciate them, especially knowing the terrific job they are doing.

Broiling is an excellent method of cooking meat, poultry and fish. In fact, broiling fish is very simple and can be wonderful, depending on your seasoning. Try a little olive oil on your fish fillets, and sprinkle lemon and pepper and thyme on them; or try Jamaican Jerk seasoning, a spicy, allspice-tinged Caribbean seasoning.

For dessert after a meal, consider a little fruit with a small piece of cheese. Try berries in yoghurt, especially vanilla yoghurt.

We can all fight and win the battle against pre-mature aging. Conquer inflammation and free radicals with the intelligent use of a widely balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables.

Learn more about this author, Anthony Stemke.
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