Food and Longevity

[Guest guest]

Diet and Longevity

Getting older is inevitable, but the food can slow down the

aging process. What we eat can make a difference in how the body

ages. Research on the role of foods and aging is still in early

stages but at this point the best route to take seems to be focusing

on vegetarian foods - increase your fruits, vegetables, and whole

grains. In addition to the benefits these foods provide, some nuts,

and plenty of water also seem to help maintain health and fight

disease which translates into longevity.

 

The role of plant foods in disease prevention, and the slowing of

the aging process, appears to rest with the phytochemicals (plant

compounds) that they contain. Phytochemicals function in one of four

different ways: (1) They act as antioxidants which work to remove or

block the changes in cells that cause disease and aging. (2) They

act as detoxifiers, which help the body destroy or eliminate toxic

compounds. (3) They act as Hormone regulators by acting as hormones,

which produce specific effect on the activity of cells remote from

their points of origin. (4) These phytochemicals also function as

cell regulators. Cell regulators control the rampant cell growth of

tumors, thus protecting against some cancers. Most plant foods

contain a variety of phytochemicals making most of them good choices

for a variety of ailments. One way to judge the presence of

phytochemicals is to look for darkly colored or strong flavored

fruits and vegetables. Broccoli, kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts and

cauliflower help fight colon cancer and may help with estrogen

metabolism.

 

Here is a glimpse of foods that can help with different body

functions: Blueberries, cranberries, cherries and strawberries help

fight heart disease, urinary tract infection and may help older

adults improve balance, coordination and short-term memory. Spinach,

along with kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts have been found to

decrease the incidence of cataracts and macular degeneration, the

leading causes of blindness in people over 50. Strawberries, kiwi

and plums also seem to help with improved balance, coordination and

short-term memory in studies in rats; whether these results will

transfer to humans isn't clear, but scientists feel it is likely

that they will. Soy protein, blackberries, raspberries, scallions

and garlic aid cholesterol reduction, and the list goes on.

 

Walnuts, and flaxseed contain a type of fat called Omega 3, which is

associated with a reduction in risk for macular degeneration. Omega-

3 fatty acids are also known for their positive effect on reducing

Triglycerides (another type of blood fat) and for making blood less

sticky and less likely to clot. Thus help with reducing heart

attacks or strokes. This same blood thinning effect may help blood

vessels in the eyes.

 

Water is important to cell health and function. Staying well

hydrated is important as we age, since the recognition of thirst

diminishes with age.

 

The best advice to prevent the maladies of old age is to try eight

to ten servings of fruits and vegetables everyday. Here are some

more tips:

a. Make sure the fruits and vegetables are a variety of dark, deep

colors and/or strong flavors.

b. Choose whole grain breads, cereals and pasta the majority of the

time.

c. Limit dairy food to fat free kinds.

d. Use simple sugars (candies, table sugar, jams, etc) in small

amounts and only after including all the fruits, vegetables and

whole grains.

c. Stay well hydrated by using at least 64 ounces of water or other

water based beverage everyday.

 

Sometimes all the best intentions still don't get the right foods

into our eating plan, this is where - supplements maybe needed, but

add supplements only after checking with your physician and/or

dietitian. Some supplements may interfere with other medication

you're taking. In addition the research on supplements, their safety

and long term benefits is still in the very early stages of

research; you want to add what might help but won't hurt.

 

Vitamin and mineral supplements are different and often are

important. If you can't get the calcium your bones need or if you're

struggling to get the produce you need, a multi vitamin will put the

vitamins and minerals back, but not the phytochemicals or the

protein and carbohydrate that come from wholesome vegetarian foods.

Remember supplement means adds to, not use in place of, so always

try for the foods first.

 

For more information on longevity see " Forever Young " guide:

(http://dpcpress.com/desc_foreveryoung.html

 

drdln

 

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[Guest guest]

Ok someone explain then what it means to be " high in triglycerides " and what

makes this bad for you? Does this mean that my blood is way to thin?? for

saftey??

 

" Dr. S.S. Dhillon " <drdln wrote:

 

...............<snip>

 

Triglycerides (another type of blood fat) and for making blood less

sticky and less likely to clot. Thus help with reducing heart

attacks or strokes. This same blood thinning effect may help blood

vessels in the eyes.