Foods that Help Fight Aging

There are several foods, that when in their natural state contain anti-oxidants which stave off free radicals found in the human body. Free radicals cause damage to the cells in our body and over time contributes to how quickly we age.

Exposure to these free radicals is inevitable because they're formed by natural activity in our bodies. But, this can be altered. Doing away with bad habits such as consuming processed foods, drinking alcohol or caffeine or smoking is a great start. Supplying the body with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables provides important vitamins and free radical fighting anti-oxidants. The anti-oxidants break down the free radicals by neutralizing them in our bodies.

Some of the natural supplements that are believed to be useful in altering the aging process to our advantage consist of omega-3 fatty acids, beta carotene, and vitamins A, C and E. By incorporating these natural ingredients into your diet, along with drinking plenty of water and exercising you can play a personal role in the anti-aging process.

A few foods that contain these anti-aging ingredients include the following.

#1-Flax Seeds, walnuts, fresh water fish, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain crucial omega-3 fatty acids.

#2- Fresh fruits are full of vitamins A and C, two of the best anti-oxidants there are. With the variety of fruits available, it's easy to fit them into your day. Grab a piece of fruit on the go. It's wrapped in its own package, sweet and ready to eat. Or enjoy a fresh fruit salad as a meal or for a delicious dessert.

#3- Don't forget the tomatoes. Also a fruit, they contain the same great vitamins A and C. Tomatoes are available year round and can be added to soups, made into sauces, cut up for a sandwich or tossed in a salad. With this versatility, it's easy to incorporate them into your meals.

#4-Eat your greens. Green leafy vegetables including spinach, kale, collard greens and broccoli are rich in not only vitamins A and C, but vitamin E and beta carotene as well. With that much anti-oxidant power, you'll neutralize those free radicals in no time. Greens can be served by themselves, in a salad, steamed or added to a delicious soup.

Many other foods have healing properties that play an important role in slowing down aging as well. These include apple cider vinegar, blueberries, cranberries, garlic, green tea, peppermint, milk thistle, chamomile, alfalfa and citrus fruits.
While none of these foods are the "Fountain of Youth", including them on a regular basis as part of a balanced diet can reduce the toll time takes on your body.

The process of aging is natural. There's no stopping it, merely slowing it down or speeding it up. Only you can decide which route you'll take.