MONICA Renagel, nutritionist and author of ?The Inflammation Free Diet Plan,? says there is a need to build a strong antioxidant defense to slow down free-radical damage, ?thus helping prevent premature aging and age-related diseases such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis and cataracts.?
Furthermore, having a high-antioxidant eating plan helps prevent lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
While there is no fool-proof plan to look young and be disease-free, adopting a healthy lifestyle can delay the onset of diseases.
Consider this arsenal of health-friendly items: Capsicums, cherries, shiitake mushrooms and eggplants.
Seaweed?considered a mineral pill because it has zinc, calcium and iodine. Chinese medicine has been using seaweed for thousands of years. It helps clear skin, boosts the immune system and alleviates respiratory ailments.
In Okinawa, Japan there are 600 centenarians out of a total population of 1.3 million. Their diet? Fresh local produce and seaweed.
Seaweed?s antibiotic and anti-viral effects not only boost the immune system but also improve blood circulation.
Salmon/oysters/shellfish?Assuming they are harvested in unpolluted seas, these are high in copper and zinc (great for skin, hair and nails as well as libido) and omega-3 fatty acids (the best nutrients ever and skin boosters).
Fish contains essential fatty acids (EFAs) that ensure healthy membranes. EFA sources include walnuts, flaxseed oil, olive oil and dark leafy vegetables.
Beans, lentils, chickpeas?considered humble foods. Legumes rank high in the food guide pyramid because of their flavonols, which protect against chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, lung and prostate cancer and cerebral vascular diseases, according to Dr. Vincent Giampapa, author of ?The Gene Makeover, the 21st Anti-Aging Breakthrough.?
Protein?Rich legumes maintain muscle mass, reduce insulin resistance and repair DNA.
Water?Drink 8-12 glasses of clean water daily to prevent inner pollution.
Lemons and oranges help detoxify the body.
Garlic, onions and eggs contain sulphur
which have a cleaning effect on the body.
Dr. Giampapa?s top 10 foods to avoid because they accelerate the aging process: sugar, fried bacon, potato chips, white bread, white potatoes, corn oil, sugar-processed cereals, sugar-processed snacks, red meat, hotdogs and doughnuts.
Go natural
While it seems easier to buy expensive lotions and undergo surgical procedures, no amount of external aesthetic makeover can substitute for remedies provided by Mother Nature.
Natural flush
Drink one glass of coconut water (without sugar) every hour the whole morning. This is natural cleansing for kidneys.
Take 2 tbsp of virgin coconut oil for colon cleansing.
Detoxify and moisturize your skin by rubbing VCO all over your body. Rinse/shower after 30 minutes.
Affirm: ?Today, I declare victory.?
Love and light!
Reference: Wellbeing Magazine (www.wellbeing.com.au)
