Anti-aging Nutrients: Which foods are good sources?

Aging is a natural process everyone wishes to take in stride. However, more Americans, especially women, are concerned with the rate at which they show their age. They want to look younger, so it’s important to them to know which anti-aging nutrients are the best. What many people do not realize is the fact they take in anti-aging nutrients each day in the foods they consume.

Anti-aging nutrients have one thing in common; they contain antioxidants that help rid our bodies of all the toxins we take in. Antioxidants neutralize the radical elements of our foods. These free radicals damage cells, which works to age our bodies. They are produced by the process in which our body cells oxidize and metabolize food. Metabolization is the process by which food releases the energy which we use for our normal bodily functions.

Antioxidants are found in many natural food sources. Of our normal daily intake, half of the foods we eat typically have antioxidants. The foods with the highest anti-aging nutrients have those such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, selenium, and carotene. There are also some nutritional supplements which contain anti-aging nutrients. These include alpha lipoic acid, beta carotene, lutein, and lycopene.

Anti-aging nutrients are found in lots of our common daily foods. For example: apples, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, and tomatoes. Beets, spinach, strawberries, raspberries, and bananas also contain anti-aging nutrients. Calcium is another important mineral to remember, especially for women. It helps keep bones strong and minimizes the likelihood of osteoporosis.

Fiber is also an important factor in anti-aging nutrients. Fiber-rich foods are low in calories, but help minimize hunger. Fiber can help lower the chances of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often rich in fiber. They are also rich in vitamins and nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin C, folic acid, and beta carotene.

Fruits and vegetables also provide plenty of iron and calcium as well. The national food intake recommendation for individuals is five fruit and vegetable servings a day. However, the more fruit and vegetables eaten, the more anti-aging nutrients taken in. Fruits and vegetables are not the only foods high in anti-aging nutrients, however. Fish has also been found to be a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which greatly reduces the risk of heart disease. It has also been discovered “fish-lovers” have a lower risk of some types of cancer.

If you are a fruit and vegetable lover, or a fish lover, you are headed in the right direction for consuming the essential anti-aging nutrients. The key to looking younger is to keep a healthy and active lifestyle. Make sure to get plenty of exercise while eating a great variety of healthy foods. Exercise is an especially important factor. Working up a sweat is a great way to rid our bodies of toxins. Combine a healthy diet with a routine exercise regimen, and you are sure to maintain your youthful good looks!