Throughout its history, human civilization is afraid of death and tries to prolong its life on Earth. Over time, a whole science – gerontology – has grown out of this, studying old age and the opportunities to make this age more comfortable and as active as possible. Dietetics, immunology, and many theories of cellular aging have also appeared, which exist at the junction of various sciences. The essence of the most popular of these theories is that in each cell, there are peroxisomes — organelles that contain enzymes (called reductase) that slow down aging. Through time, the number of peroxisomes in cells diminishes, and therefore the cell ages.
But there are products that can replace these enzymes. Such “rejuvenating products” have antioxidant components in them that work to maintain the youth and vital activity of cells. The addition of these products into the diet also helps to make up for the deficiency of trace elements and vitamins and helps prevent the development of diseases. If you started imagining exotic vegetables and fruits, don’t – in fact, all these products are publicly available and do not cost too much. Let’s figure out what these products are and why they are valuable and important.
1. Avocado
It is a tasty source of monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and potassium. All of those prevent cell aging and control your blood’s cholesterol, which also adds to aging and the development of atherosclerosis, which greatly affects the quality and duration of life.
Avocado is simple, widely available, and easy to add to the diet: salads, toasts, and bowls with it can become a full meal that will not only saturate you but also bring additional benefits.
2. Grapes
Although this one is high in sugar, its berries and seeds contain numerous bioflavonoids with anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties. But, as we have said, grapes can quickly increase the levels of sugar in your blood, therefore people who already have some problems with glucose and insulin should take them into their diet carefully.
If you have diabetes, this one is a “no” for you. But if you’re healthy and free of worries, include this one in the meals of the first part of the day.
3. Turmeric
This spice prevents the formation of free radicals that destroy cells’ membranes and reduces the amount of “bad” cholesterol (we’ve talked about it in the first point, remember?). Turmeric can be added to both main dishes and desserts – online you will find a huge variety of interesting recipes (look them up on Instagram, even on the pages of dieticians who used a chance to buy Instagram followers).
Thanks to its unusual taste, it also diversifies your diet with new sensations.
4. Berries
Berries in general are a storehouse of flavonoids, anti–cyanins, antioxidants, and vitamins. All these substances protect tissues from cellular apoptosis and the growth of undifferentiated malignant cells, which subsequently turn into neoplasms.
In addition, useful elements in berries normalize carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as accelerate basic metabolism.
5. Cruciferous
Cruciferous such as cabbage, broccoli, turnips, and radishes. They prevent the action of toxins on cells and the development of tumors. Broccoli protects the skin from UV radiation, and contains vitamins A and C, phosphates, and calcium – so make sure you add it to your diet in the summer. All of those details are the ones that cosmetics who buy followers Instagram don’t tell you about.
We’re joking – using sunscreen in summer is still essential, but adding some cruciferous into your diet will only help your skin recover and age way slower.
6. Nuts
Oh, how we love them, and oh how rich in minerals and trace elements those are: they have everything, you need in them, plus a big chunk of monounsaturated fatty acids. Potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and walnuts are able to sufficiently lower the levels of the bad cholesterol that we are now aware of.
7. Sea cabbage
Sea cabbage is an excellent remedy to combat aging. It is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. It is considered one of the best sources of iodine, which strengthens the immune system and regulates blood sugar levels. First, it is an exceptional source of Omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and minerals (sodium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus). As well as vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. The only thing worth remembering is that it should be carefully added to the diet for people with thyroid problems due to the high concentration of iodine.
For everyone else, it will not only help slow down aging, but also deal with concerns of the gastrointestinal tract due to high vitamin and fiber content.
8. Celery
The one that many people hate and as many people love. It is a green vegetable plant that has many health benefits and is widely used in cooking. In addition, celery has very few calories, so it is simply indispensable for those who are on a diet or have diabetes. Celery contains many useful substances: B vitamins, vitamins E and K, provitamin A, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and others. It has antiseptic, anti-allergenic, and tonic properties. This product is useful for the heart and blood vessels, the nervous system, immunity, and the digestive system.
You can eat it raw and cooked, you can eat different parts of it, and you can even create desserts using it. A universal soldier to combat aging, for sure!
9. Fish
Salmon, herring, and sardines are rich in omega-3 and have anti-inflammatory properties, and also help a lot with improving the condition of the skin. The substance present in fish also has a positive effect on our memory and mood. It is recommended to eat a portion of oily fish (140 g) nearly three times a week – this is way better than eating red meat. Did you know it can cause the development of cancer? Replace it with fatty fish: even canned fish will do.
The main thing is that they have monounsaturated fatty acids, which, we already know, are pure goodness for our health and aging.
10. Pumpkin seeds
These include numerous elements – zinc, tryptophan, and polyunsaturated acids. All of these improve skin elasticity and promote wound healing. These elements help us to have healthy, clean skin, fight wrinkles and promote a stronger sleep. Give up your expensive skin creams and buy a kilo of pumpkin seeds! We’re just joking, all of those should be used to get you far in fighting to age and having a longer and happier life.
At the end of our brief excursion into the world of healthy anti-ageing products, we would like to say that they will not work properly if you do not lead a generally healthy and active lifestyle. All this can be negated by the presence of bad habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption – both of these phenomena provoke massive production of stress hormones and other bioactive substances that destroy the cells of your tissues. To see the effect of your new diet, stay active throughout the day, choose healthier and more active leisure time, and always try to take care of both your physical and mental health. But remember that sport cripples, and physical culture heals.
With everything you need to know about the measure, the right place, and time, then your life will definitely be longer, disease-free, and much happier than if you made the wrong choices about your diet and lifestyle.
By the way, do you know what else provokes the production of natural antioxidants and destroys tumor cells, and slows down aging? Good sleep – every night you sleep for more than 7 hours is good for you and prolongs your young life. Remember this, and make a choice in favor of your health.
Who is the author?
Charlie Harrison writes articles in the field of technology, sport, and nutrition.