The human body undergoes several changes time and again in a single lifetime. Not only does it grow and develop with age but it also heals and repairs itself with the assistance of proper nutrition provided to it in the form of different food segments like carbohydrates, proteins, fats and fibers. Although aging is a natural process, there are definitely ways by which you can elongate this procedure and let signs of premature aging never reflect on your personality. This can be made possible only if you choose the right food ingredients and follow a proper and healthy lifestyle. The most vital ingredient required by the body to fight aging is a continuous supply of energy and the appropriate raw materials to it so as to enable proper cell functioning and growth. The human body is made up of innumerable number of living cells which need proper food to remain strong and also to replace themselves with newer and stronger cells at regular intervals. When a cell gets replaced by a weaker cell, signs of aging start reflecting on the skin surface. Only when a stronger and better cell, abundant in energy and the right raw material, replaces the existing cells, it leads to a process called regeneration which in turn enhances anti-aging procedures. So, the mantra behind remaining young and attractive is to keep supplying your body continuously with a healthy balanced diet constituting of all food groups so that your body cells remain well oxygenated and healthy, thereby assuring you of a better and longer life along with attractive and appealing looks. Let’s consider some of the best sources of anti-aging vitamins which can be sourced from the daily foods that we intake.
Avocado
Avocado is one of the most alkalizing food items. Being rich in vitamin E, its consumption is considered inevitable and most essential to get a glowing skin and shining hair. Moreover, it helps in reducing wrinkles from the skin surface and keeps them at bay from reflecting on your face. Due to its delicious taste, it can be eaten raw as a salad or can even be steamed. Avocados are loaded with healthy fats which even aid in improving cholesterol levels and thus help in maintaining a healthy good looking body and skin.
Berries
All categories of berries including gooseberries, blackberries, cranberries and blueberries are a powerhouse of antioxidant compounds called anthocyannis which are believed to enhance youthfulness, boost immune system, reduce the growth of certain cancers and also assist in improving brain functioning, muscle toning and balancing. Also, having large composition of vitamin C as well, it helps in proper blood circulation and in distributing minerals and salts to the different parts of the body, which in turn acts as a catalyst in fighting against aging and keeping the body fit. Berries are highly rich in antioxidants which have a full-fledged capacity to enable the repairing process of the cells and prevent damage incurred due to aging. Berries are very delicious and should be consumed plain, without sauces and sugar, to extract the goodness out of it.
Green leafy vegetables
Vegetables, needless to mention, have more benefits than one, especially those rich in vitamin K like broccoli, spinach, lettuce and salad leaves which help in the coagulation of the blood and fight against premature aging signs. Apart from keeping the body weight under controlled limits, these vegetables assist in fighting toxins which are highly essential to keep body free from attracting diseases that can cause harm to it. Moreover, they even contain folate, calcium and other nutrients which help in distributing calcium to the bones, protecting against cognitive decline and even in preventing age related eye issues. Vegetables like broccoli and cabbage are cruciferous veggies which even aid in reducing risks of memory loss and cancer, thereby enabling the body to remain active for a prolonged time and age.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most vital food ingredients bestowed on us by nature. It has a long list of benefits and is a rich source of vitamin B6 complex which plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the physique and is a key source of anti-aging properties in women. Consuming raw garlic helps in preventing cell degeneration, promotes thinning of the blood and even preventing heart related diseases. It works wonders in maintaining body’s energy levels and also works in favor of promoting wellness to the nerves. The goodness of garlic is best extracted when eaten raw. It can even be used for salad dressing and as an excellent condiment.
Herbs and spices
Indian herbs and spices have long been confirmed to be a beneficial source of vitamin A, B and C complex and some are even rich in potassium which aids in prolonging the natural phenomenon of aging. The root of the ginger plant is said to boost digestion, keep bowel movement in good shape, and also promote good gut health. Spices such as turmeric and chilly powder contain anti-inflammatory components which nullify risks of age related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, the anti-oxidant properties present in garlic and onion protect against heart related complications and diseases, while cinnamon helps in lowering blood sugar levels. All these herbs and spices together assist in delaying the procedure of aging and making you feel young and energetic for a longer time span.
Nuts
Nuts like almond, cashew and walnut are powerhouses of energy which are rich in healthy fat content, vitamins and proteins. Including nuts in your daily dietary forum can provide you with immense energy and help keep lethargy at bay. Also, high energy supply to the body enables cell regeneration which fights premature aging problems and retains youthfulness in an individual. So, having a handful of assorted nuts everyday can benefit cardio-vascular and brain health, ease off inflammation and even help regain lost energy levels leading to prolonged age symptoms.
Green tea
Green tea is believed to contain hefty amounts of vitamin K which enables one to remain young, active and healthy for a prolonged time period. It has been used over centuries as a longevity supplement to boost energy levels and help regeneration and cell growth within the body. Out of the different varieties of tea, green tea is the only one to consist of the right concentration of ECGC which is a very powerful antioxidant required for optimum oxygenation of the body cells. Being very conducive price wise, it is highly accessible to a large segment of society and can be easily adapted within one’s everyday living and diet regime.
Red wine
Red wine, as extracted from grapes, is believed to contain vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) which protects the body from the negative effects of free radicals, thereby preventing and reducing the damage caused by totally free electrons and oxidation. Moreover, red wine is rich in a substance called resveratrol which aids the body to combat age-associated illness. However, it is advisa
ble to consume one or two glasses of it per day so as to relax, unwind and enjoy the benefits of the anti-aging properties of this delicious drink.
Olive oil
Olive oil is rich in vitamin A, B and K and is a beneficial source of supplying anti-oxidants as well as anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats to the body. This special feature of olive oil makes it lower the rates of heart-related diseases caused due to aging, fights cancer and registers declined history of age related cognitive issues in individuals. Olive oil can be substituted with other cooking oil as is prominent in the case of Mediterranean diet. Olive oil, being a reliable source of vitamin A, has been scientifically approved to be helpful in soothing skin patches due to aging and even as an essential component in decreasing wrinkles from the skin surface.
Tomatoes
Tomato belongs to the family of red fruits which are highly rich in vitamin A and even consists of an antioxidant compound known as lycopene which helps in maintaining a youthful and glowing skin texture and vanishing wrinkles from the surface of the skin. It is even known for reducing the risks associated with certain types of cancers like prostrate, stomach and lung cancer as well as in keeping cardio-vascular diseases at bay. Tomatoes can be eaten raw, as salad toppings, mixed in soups or cooked along with vegetables for a healthier and tastier composition.
Whole grains
Whole grains are considered a meal in themselves as they are rich in all food groups like fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants and provide instant boost to energy levels. Being a part of a wholesome diet plan, whole grains assist in lowering dangers of being attacked by many fatal diseases relating to the heart and even cancer. The advantage of whole grains is that they get digested at a much slower pace than processed grains, thereby preventing you from ailments like high blood pressure, diabetes and other age controlled diseases, and boosting newer levels of energy and youthfulness within the body. In a nutshell, longevity of life and age has no miraculous cures, one has to follow a well balanced diet plan along with proper physical exercises to delay the procedure of premature aging.