by JS Daniel

Created on: August 06, 2009   Last Updated: September 15, 2009

With the passing of every year, we increase in age.This is a basic truth which cannot be reversed. However, what we can do is to live a long and healthy life. Nowadays people spend lots of money to look young and improve health conditions. However, you do not have to do that. You have the solution right at home. Just open the refrigerator door or check your dining table. I am sure you will find food rich in vitamins, minerals, fibers and antioxidants. Let us have a look at the different types of food that help longevity.

1) Water

Water is very important for the body. It prevents dehydration and fatigue. It also helps in good bowel movement.

Drinking plenty of water keeps our skin and hair looking young and shiny. Drinking 4 to 6 glasses of water a day is good. You can also eat food that rich in water like watermelon, yogurt, soup and lettuce. Drink plenty of fruit juices, which also provide vitamins.

2) Calcium

Calcium helps to strengthen our bones and teeth. As we grow older, our bones tend to stiffen and lose strength. Eating food rich in calcium will prevent that. Milk and milk products are an important source of calcium.

3) Vitamins

Vitamins are found in most of the food we eat. There are many types of vitamins and each has their own specific function

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant nutrient. It prevents common cold and helps the heart. Foods like orange, lemon, carrot, spinach, strawberries, tomato and kiwi are rich in Vitamin C.

Vitamin B

The B complex vitamins are a group of eight vitamins that are essential for our body. They help to breakdown carbohydrates, fats and proteins. They are essential for healthy skin and muscle tone. They also aid in the metabolic process and important for the formation of nerve cells.

Food rich in vitamin B are banana, tuna, chili peppers, lentils, potatoes, nuts, avocado, oats, meat and dairy products.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is found in milk and dairy product. It is necessary for the growth of strong bones and for boosting the immune system. Vitamin D is also found in nuts, eggs and tuna

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It also helps in preventing cancer and heart diseases.

Nuts, seeds and vegetable oils are a good source of vitamin E. Olive oil is very good for the body and it improves skin texture by just applying it.

4) Fiber

Fiber is very important for smooth bowel functioning and helps to lower the cholesterol and blood sugar level.

High fiber cereals, beans, apples, legumes are a good source of fiber.

5) Anti oxidants

Foods that are rich in color like green, orange, red and purplish blue are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect us from heart disease, memory loss and cancer.

Foods like broccoli, spinach, blueberries, tomatoes, eggplants, carrots and squash are rich in antioxidants.

So have a long and healthy life by eating good food. Have a well balanced diet. Even if you do not like certain types of food, try to substitute it with other foods that have the same nutritional value.

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