In an attempt to prevent premature aging, and every now and then just regular aging, most people check out various options in order to realize their goal.
One of the most important factors in preventing aging effects on the body is a well rounded and nutritional diet which limits calorie consumption in saturated fat and includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.
There are also 10 assorted foods which have been found to significantly effect cellular structure, development and break down which ultimately affects aging.
The first of these is the avocado which is a healthy source of mono saturated fat that can reduce the level of LDL (bad cholesterol).
It is also a splendid source of vitamin E and is rich in potassium.
Berries contain phytochemicals known as flavonoids.
These are powerful antioxidants that help to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals.
The most powerful of these are blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, assist the body in its fight contrary to toxins and cancer.
It is best to keep all of these foods raw but you might also cook them very lightly at temperatures below 115° to maintain valuable enzymes.
Eating a raw clove of garlic that day also helps to protect the body against cancer and heart disease.
In a study published in 1994 it was suggested that women who ate a clove of garlic at least once a week or 50% less likely to develop colon cancer.
While Incredibly delicious and sweet, watermelon,, is also nutritious and can be eaten both as a whole fruits or blended in a food processor and drunk as juice.
Most varieties of nuts are a good source of minerals, particularly walnuts, Brazil nuts and almonds.
They are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium which improves the function of the digestive system and the immune system as well as increase your overall ability to prevent cancer.
Ginger is a spicy root that is used often in holistic medicine and has been found to boost the digestive and circulatory systems.
Others have used it in tea and to spice foods to help alleviate rheumatic aches and pains.
And, last but certainly not least is eight glasses of water every day in order to help the body flush toxins and unwanted waste material through the kidneys.
It is imperative not to rely on the first since this sensation diminishes with age and the first sign of dehydration is actually a feeling of hunger and not thirst.
Drink either water or 100% fruit and vegetable juices.
To gauge how hydrated you are rely on the color of your urine, which should be clear and very pale yellow.
In a study printed In the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers used ultrasound examinations to evaluate heart muscles of individuals who had been on a restricted calorie diet.
Those individuals appeared to have heart muscles which was more elastic than those of an aged and gender matched control subject.
Their hearts were able to relax between beats in a way similar to the hearts of younger people.
This was the first study to demonstrate that long-term calories restriction with optimal nutrition has cardiac specific effects that will decrease the age associated harmful effects on heart function.
In the preceding research has been done on mice and rats which showed that this strict and consistent restriction increased the animals maximum lifespan by about 30% and protected them from hardening of the arteries and cancer.
Until this point a human study had been trying because of the strict diet regimen and the capability to ensure that people consume the proper balance of nutrients.
This study used persons who had been on diets that restricted their calories to 1400-2000 calories per day and were between 41 and 65 years old.
They had been following this diet for an average of six years voluntarily.
A new factor in the prevention of premature aging is the intake of the appropriate amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help the body function at an peak level.
While the foods mentioned above are a great start they aren't the only things that should be consumed in order to improve overall health.
By following a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that are raw as well as a small amount of milk and meat while taking a high quality multi-vitamin most people will be able to meet the minimum needs of their body.