Get Healthy in 2012 - Anti-Aging Foods

I have found that the more time I spend trying to figure out what to eat, the more amounts of conflicting information that I find.  I can find you articles that support something and just as many articles that do not support the same thing.  How are we supposed to know what to eat?  Who are we supposed to believe?  

I will continue to read all of the articles, but I tend to resort back to the same thing every time.  Organic locally grown products are the best for our bodies.  The biggest problem that people struggle with is that these things cost more than the processed stuff.  There are a lot of struggling families out there just trying to get by and it is tough to find healthy things to feed our families.  

Here is an article that I found about foods that are "anti-aging."  I thought it was pretty good information to pass along to you.  I'm not sure how "anti-aging" they are, but they seem to be healthy choices and I'm all about healthy choices!  Enjoy!

1.  Tomatoes contain large amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.  Lycopene helps reduce the chances of several cancers - most notably prostrat cancer - and is also associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.  It may even help prevent skin aging.  One of the quirky things about tomoatoes is that the amount of lycopene they have actually increases when you cook and crush them, so tomato paste and sauce are more powerful than fresh tomatoes.

2.  Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.  It also has high antioxidant levels, a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels, and an anti-inflammatory effect.  No wonder the Mediterranean diet is so healthy!  Choose cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil for maximum benefit - but don't go overboard.  Remember, one tablespoon has 120 calories (13 grams of fat!)

3.  Like tomatoes and olive oil, grapes, grape juice, and red wine also contain antioxidants.  Drinking a moderate amount of red wine - one or two drinks a day - has been shown to increase longevity.  Be careful, however, because drinking too much can shorten your life instead!

4.  Nuts have fat, but like olive oil it's the "good" fat - monounsaturated.  Eating 5 ounces a week has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease.  They're also a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.

5.  Whole grains, especially sprouted whole grains, contain a lot of fiber, as well as antioxidants.  They help protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.  So skip the Wonder Bread, and cut a slice of a multigrain loaf instead.

6.  There can't be enough said about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acides, and salmon is rich in them.  They help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation, coronary heart disease, and other health problems.  In most cases wild-caught fish are healthier than farm-raised fish.

7.  Blueberries have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants.  They help prevent urinary tract infections, lower cholesterol, and help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.  All the other berries are great too, plus they taste practically like candy!

8.  Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, used for everything from treating the common cold to serving as an antiseptic.  It can help regulate blood sugar and has anti-cancer properties.

9.  Loads of antioxidants make spinach a strong weapon against aging.  It also has high levels of folic acid, which helps fight cancer, heart disease, and mental disorders.

10.  Used medicinally for thousands of years, tea contains a large amount of antioxidants.  It may boost your metabolish, help prevent diabetes, life your immune system and mental alertness, and lower stress hormone levels.  Drink up!