Ponce de Leon never found the legendary Fountain of Youth, and modern man still searches for the magic potion that will delay aging. According to recent studies, at least part of the answer is as close as your next meal. Many common foods have been shown to contain substances that help delay the onset of age-related diseases.
Some of the most powerful anti-aging foods include:
Berries. Blueberries, raspberries, and other deeply colored berries contain phytochemicals known as flavonoids. These antioxidants fight oxidation which leads to aging, and have been shown to improve brain function and slow the growth of some cancers. Many berries contain ellagic acid, which slows tumor growth.
Broccoli. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts contain a compound called glucosinolate, which, according to Dr. Russell Blaylock, author of The Blaylock Wellness Report, can help neutralize the cancer-causing effects of pesticides and herbicides. Eating them raw will help maintain their cancer-fighting enzymes.
Fish. Oily fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation. People who eat fish regularly have lower rates of Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease. A recent study from the University of California, San Francisco, found that omega-3 fatty acids keep the DNA of heart patients from unraveling. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish each week.
Garlic. A study found that women who ate a clove of garlic at least once a week lowered their risk of developing colon cancer by 50 percent, and a study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that people who eat garlic have half the risk of stomach cancer and two-thirds the risk of colorectal cancer when compared to people who avoid it. Other studies have found that garlic reduces cholesterol levels, and an Indian study found it thins blood more effectively than aspirin.
Grapes. Rich in an antioxidant called resveratrol that is an anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant, red grapes have been shown to extend the life span of test animals. Grapes also contain the bioflavanoid quercetin, which works with vitamin C (also found in grapes) to fight cancer, including cancers of the breast and colon.
Nuts. Nuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that lower inflammation and are great for your heart as well as your brain. They also contain B vitamins and minerals, including selenium and magnesium. Studies show that nuts lower cholesterol and also aid the skin's elastin and collagen to keep skin looking young.
Tomatoes. The generous amounts of the antioxidant lycopene in tomatoes help skin maintain its youthfulness, and may reduce the risk of developing heart disease, as well as several cancers, including breast, lung, and colon. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men who ate 10 servings of tomato-based foods each week lowered their risk of developing prostate cancer by 45 percent.
Tea. Green and white teas contain large amounts of EGCG, a powerful antioxidant linked to a lower risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and numerous types of cancer. In addition, tissues in the eye absorb antioxidants from tea called catachins that may protect aging eyes from glaucoma.
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