Turn back time by consuming these super foods daily to fight aging:
SEA VEGETABLES
Green vegetables will always be a staple in a healthy diet for anti-aging properties. Last year we saw the emergence of kale as one of them. But right behind kale and those green plants are the oh-so important Sea Vegetables.
Seaweed, like Kelp and Hijiki is high in iodine and thought to have anti-aging properties for skin and hair and also said to improve thyroid function and control metabolism. Try them in salads or add to Asian-style soups.
MACA
A root that belongs to the radish family and grown in the mountains of Peru. It is high in calcium, iron, vitamin-C, and essential amino acids (1, 2, and 3) which earns it the prestigious SUPER FOOD title. But as the Incas knew, Maca has extraordinary rejuvenative powers. It can be a benefit to us as we age to improve energy. It is most commonly available in powder form.
HEMP SEEDS
They are great for your skin and help improve firmness and radiance. They happen to be the only edible source of gamma-linoleic-acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory of omega-6 fat that forms part of the membrane which surrounds skin cells.
Hemp seeds contain 15 grams of protein per 3 tablespoons and protein like that aids in synthesizing collagen and elastin, keeping skin firm and supple.
It is recommended to eat Hemp Seeds raw as heat will destroy their delicate oils. Toss them over salads, add them to smoothies or make a raw tabouli salad with hemp seeds, parsley, tomatoes and lime juice (YUM – and packed with protein!)
MATCHA
The queen of green tea is Matcha Green Tea. Made from finely milled high-grade matcha leaves, which are grown in the shade, Matcha boasts 130 times more anti-oxidants than your standard green tea and is supposed to boost energy levels, lower stress, improve your mood and aid metabolism. It can be consumed as a regular tea, added to steamed milk for a Matcha latte or even used to add a pleasant green shade and flavor to ice-cream.
FERMENTED FOODS (Probiotics)
If you are a vegan and stay away from dairy, Kombucha (fermented tea), Sauerkraut or Kimchi (both kinds of pickled cabbage) if non-vegan then yogurt or kefir are all examples of fermented foods that are naturally rich in beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. Although most are known for their role in keeping your digestive processes moving smoothly, beneficial bacteria are also known to help protect against malnutrition and support calcium absorption and immune health.
People in their 60s and beyond tend to have far more disease-causing bacteria in their digestive tracts than someone decades younger, making them more prone to gastrointestinal troubles. Consuming fermented foods is a natural way to neutralize the pathogenic bacteria by encouraging the growth of the friendly bacteria.
These foods also known to help your body sustain healthy inflammatory balance — another way to help you fight the declines of aging. Plus they tend to be high in B-vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids. Think of fermenting foods as the new jam-making and break out those mason jars.
CAMU CAMU
This tropical berry is the single most potent source of vitamin C on the planet. Ounce for ounce, it has 50 times the vitamin C of an orange, therefore providing immune system support. It also supports the collagen in your skin, fighting those wrinkles (not to mention glaucoma).
RESVERATROL
Since 1992, research suggests that resveratrol is a powerful free radical scavenger, working by inhibiting a destructive process called lipid peroxidation, which is associated with premature aging.
Resveratrol stimulates production of SIRT1, a serum that blocks diseases by speeding up the cell’s energy production centers known as mitrochondria.
Resveratrol has incredible protective benefits for the skin. When applied topically, it protects against sun damage, improves collagen production, and reduces cell damage. It is a stable, potent antioxidant worth seeking out in a skin-care product. It also has significant anti-inflammatory properties—and inflammation is a major behind-the-scenes culprit of multiple skin issues, from acne to rosacea to eczema. In addition, studies have shown that Resveratrol inhibits tumor development.
Resveratrol is a potent polyphenolic antioxidant that’s found in red grapes, red wine, nuts, and fruits such as blueberries and cranberries and supplements.
CURCUMIN
The active yellow-pigmented compound in Turmeric (an Indian spice often used in curry dishes), Curcumin has powerful antioxidant properties and promotes healthy cellular division, particularly in your GI tract. It also supports liver detoxification, healthy immune response and promotes joint flexibility, all of which are essential as you age. Most longevity experts concur that Curcumin holds tremendous potential for anti-aging.
The latest program theory of aging is the Telomere shortening theory. Telomeres are the end-cap segments of DNA (our genetic material). Each time a cell replicates, a small piece of DNA is taken off the end of each chromosome. The shorter the Telomere gets, the more it affects gene expression. The result is cellular aging and an increased risk for immune dysfunction, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases. New research shows that Curcumin may provide benefit in preventing telomere shortening and may actually promote elongation of telomeres.
BEE POLLEN
If you’ve never tried bee pollen, now’s the time to familiarize yourself with it because bee pollen is considered a powerful longevity-boosting, anti-aging Super Food.
Bee pollen contains all 8 essential amino acids, which is why it makes such an ideal supplement for vegetarians, replenishing what is normally only supplied by meat and dairy. Amino acids can also satiate food cravings and help with weight loss.
It is rich in over 12 vitamins, almost 30 minerals and a whole range of enzymes and co-enzymes. Bee pollen sparks many of the body’s vital functions, boosting digestion, immunity and hormone levels.
Pollen is a complex and nutrition-dense food that supports vibrant health – especially for vegetarians. Honey and pollen, however, are not considered vegan foods by most.
One common use for bee pollen is as a stimulant – bee pollen can give a strong pop of energy for mid-day slumps because of its high levels of B vitamins.
Bee pollen makes the perfect addition to your morning smoothie or juice. Simply stir in a teaspoon or two for an instant pick-me-up. By adding a scoop of this super food into your morning ritual, you’re providing yourself with a head start on the nutrition you need throughout your day.
Keep in mind, there has been some controversy as to whether those with allergies should avoid bee pollen as it may trigger allergic reactions. Many natural health experts actually advocate small doses of bee pollen or honey to help the body build resistance to small doses of plant allergens.
CACAO
The SWEETEST of all anti-aging Super Foods and a favorite!
One of the most amazing properties of Cacao Beans is their high content of antioxidants. These antioxidants have flavonoids responsible for fighting and preventing free radical damage. The incredible power of Cacao Beans can slow down aging and significantly strengthen your immunity.
Cacao is the source of the most powerful antioxidants and so great for your skin as it boosts collagen protection. Raw Cacao Beans contain more than 320 various antioxidants. No other product in the world can be compared to it. These antioxidants fight free radicals in our body and protect against viral and bacterial infections. It is proven that it is the formation of large quantities of free radicals that often cause many diseases, including cancer. The levels of antioxidants in our body are directly connected with our biological age and life expectancy.
Raw Cacao also contains polyphenols, which are some of the most powerful antioxidants and have the ability to break down fat and reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The anti-oxidative effect of polyphenols is much stronger than that of most common antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
GOJI BERRIES
Considered the world’s most powerful anti-aging food. They’re rated #1 on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale, which measures the antioxidant level of foods. Antioxidants fight free radical damage associated with diseases and premature aging.
Dried Goji Berries contain 3x the antioxidants of pomegranates!
The antioxidants contained in Goji Berries help neutralize free radicals, which damage DNA and cause cells to grow abnormally. Damage to our DNA opens the door to disease and accelerates aging.
Goji Berries are also said to help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65. They are also high in astaxanthin, the antioxidant known as “natural sunscreen” and helps reverse and protect the skin from sun damage.
The beta-carotene in Goji Berries helps fight inflammation and encourages new skin cell growth.
Dried Goji Berries have a mild sweetness and are slightly chewy which makes them perfect for snacking, ready to be enjoyed straight out of the bag! You can also add them to trail mix with other dried fruit and nuts. Other ways to incorporate Goji Berries into your diet would be in breakfast foods – Mix Goji Berries in oatmeal or cereal for an energizing boost. Layer them in yogurt for a new kind of parfait. Goji berries are also a delicious addition to granola bars and baked goods. Also, dried Goji Berries are commonly used in Chinese herbal soups to boost the nutrient content. You can add them to your own soups and broths.
Alternatively, toss them over salads for a nice sweet addition like raisins. Adding dried Goji Berries to quinoa, rice, couscous, and other grain recipes lend little bursts of nutrition and sweetness to your dishes. Buying Goji Berries in bulk helps save on cost and this super-important superfood will always be on hand!
Remember, too, that what you don’t eat is nearly as important as what you do. Top foods that can quickly sabotage your health, and should therefore be avoided, include added sugars, refined white flour, trans fats, and too many omega-6-rich vegetable oils (soybean, corn, etc., as these are highly inflammatory).
Finally, as you get older your body needs fewer calories to function. Research has shown that you can extend your lifespan by reducing caloric intake and cutting out the right kind of calories. One way to do that is through intermittent fasting.
Aging is the single most natural thing we do. But we all agree – there’s no need to do it any faster than you have to.
No one of these superfoods — nor yet any single food — is a silver bullet to good health. But all of them pack a punch far above their weight in terms of overall health benefits, and can help support your body’s systems for years to come.
Click on the book cover below for free super food recipes…
Get free super food recipes right now from Super Foods, Super Delicious – a free, instant download of Maria Whalen’s breakthrough recipe book. You also get a Shopping Guide in the book to save you time in the kitchen as well as money at the market. It’s our free gift to you. Enjoy super health!