Some people age more gracefully than others. Is it just a matter of having good genes, or can we look and feel younger by eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones?
Sugar and salt are causing us more problems than we ever knew. Salt has long been used as a preservative, but if we eat too much of it our skin and other organs will become dehydrated and worn out much sooner than they normally would. Even drinking large quantities of water will not overcome the debilitating effects of consuming too much salt in our daily diets. Sugar is also problematic because it keeps our cells from functioning properly. The result is premature aging, illness, and disease.
Other villains are trans fat, also known as saturated fat, and any other animal products. Saturated fat is a solid at room temperature and is known for clogging arteries and aging the vital organs. Heart disease is almost guaranteed if you are severely overweight, smoke, and eat saturated fat daily.
High fructose corn syrup is a thick, gummy substance that has only been introduced to our diets since the 1980’s. Eating even a small amount of high fructose corn syrup will prevent the body from properly utilizing a protein called leptin. Leptin helps to control our metabolism and regulates our energy expenditures. It also helps us to maintain a healthy body weight and in our reproductive functions. It is best to avoid high fructose corn syrup altogether to keep your body young and running smoothly.
Anything that is hydrogenated should be eliminated from our diets. The good oils like olive, flaxseed and sesame do not last long unless they are refrigerated. By hydrogenating, or adding hydrogen, to oil they become a solid at room temperature and will have a long shelf life.
It is best to avoid anything that is manmade and stick with natural foods if you want to look and feel younger. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are your best bets for the majority of your food choices. Anti-aging is a lifestyle choice that we have control over in our daily lives.
