Anti Aging Superfoods

The definition of Superfoods according to the Oxford Dictionary is "a food considered especially nutritious or otherwise beneficial to health and well-being", this statement although still loosely correct dates back to 1915!

Modern day superfoods = "A new, safer and less expensive way to keep you younger looking for longer is by eating the right kind of foods that are rich in antioxidants, all the right vitamins & nutrients!".

Nutrition is still the very best way to slow down the aging process.

Just search for the word “superfood” on the internet and the results will yield literally millions of sites & Recipes. There are sites who claim that the top superfood are: beans, blueberries, oats, pumpkins, tomatoes and turkey. One site attests that flavonoids is the best source of antioxidants.

For clarification, antioxidants refer to food and supplements that reduce the body's normal process of oxidation that could help you look younger.

Below is a great video we found that gives you a little bit more background information about what makes a normal Food into superfoods!.

What we have done is to "read up" on the top 20 search results, to provide a definitive list, of what is the current thinking about the top 10 superfoods(not in any order of importance):

Acai Berry: - This berry is found and grown in the Amazons.The berry has been found to contain a high level of antioxidants which is directly beneficial to slowing down the aging process of body cells.

Goji Berry: - This shrub grows in the Himalayas. The berries are red-orange and have been eaten by the Chinese for centuries for long life.The berries can be eaten raw, dried or cooked. It has been associated for having a positive effect on vision, high-blood pressure and fever. Because the berry is high in antioxidants it follows that it can help retard the aging process by protecting the cells from damages brought on by free radicals.

Wheat Grass: - This anti-aging grass has been popular to health buffs since the 1930’s. The wheat grass can be taken straight up or you can blend it with other fruit juices. The taste is quite unappetizing but its nutritional values are plenty. It has been associated with improved digestion, increased energy and has claim of preventing diabetes and cancer.

Spirulina: - This superfood is a bluegreen algae is 60% vegetable protein. Spirulina is loaded with the essential vitamins that your body needs. It is also rich in glycolipids, sulfolipids , polysaccharides, the rare essential fatty acid GLA and phytonutrients such as the antioxidant beta carotene. The beta carotene in spirulina is ten times of that found in carrots. This means that its antioxidant content is ten times greater too which makes this supplement ideal for deterring aging.

Quinoa: - Originates from Peru. This is not a grain but the fruit of an herb plant. It tastes like grain and cooked like grain but easier on the digestive system and definitely more nutritious. The fruit is loaded with antioxidants aside from the 9 amino acids needed by the body as building blocks.

Agave Nectar: - This superfood is the answer to sugar. It is even 40% sweeter than sugar that you have to reduce the amount of usage. The nectar is taken from the same plant used in making tequila. The syrup has a low-glycemic factor among all sweeteners.

Stevia: - It’s a South American plant that has been used by the Aztecs as sweeteners. It is 30 times sweeter than sugar at almost no calorie because the glycosides from the Stevia cannot be metabolized by the body. It is safe to use for diabetics as it does not affect the blood’s glucose level.

Blueberries: - Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C, making them the top choice of doctors and nutritionists. Not only can they lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory.

Broccoli:Not only does broccoli contain antioxidants including vitamin C but it's a particularly good source of folate (naturally occuring folic acid).Increasing your intake of folic acid is thought to be of major benefit in preventing heart disease.Broccoli also contains an antioxidant called lutein that can delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This affects 10 per cent of people over 60 and is a major cause of impaired vision and blindness.

Dark Chocolate: - my personal favorite on the list!,the antioxidants present in dark chocolate that make it a superfood are the polyphenols, specifically the flavonols.

Flavonols are plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties which are present in high levels. Research is now suggesting that the flavonols in chocolate are responsible for the ability to maintain healthy blood pressure, promote blood flow, and promote a healthy heart - but the only bad news is, if eaten in conservative proportions!.

If you want to look healthier and feel younger, the secret lies in the food you eat. The best tip seems to be: "choose colorful foods, the darker the skin of the fruit or vegetable, the more the likelyhood that it is one of the superfoods!".
This list is by no means exhaustive, there are lots of others that although narrowly missed our "cut" still have great superfoods qualities:

* Olive Oil
* Beans & Pulses
* Berries,Nuts & Seeds
* Tomatoes
* Omega-3 Fatty Acids - from fish such as salmon, mackerel & tuna.
* Apples, Oranges,Red Grapes
* Green Tea
* Garlic, Onions & Chillies
* Whole Grains - Oats, Whole Wheat & Barley

To name but a few!

A balanced intake of any/all the above superfoods along with a regular Exercise regime will help you maintain your looks & health beyond the years of your age, and most of them also taste great as well (especially the dark chocolate).

If you have your own superfoods you swear by, that we have not included, we would love to hear from you just click the button to Contact Us .

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