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Posted by maureen
January 23, 2007 |
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Well they say that 60 is the new 40. Last year baby boomers were galloping towards 60 at the rate of one every 19 seconds. Many people are turning back the clock of time by opting for plastic surgery procedures like facelifts, Botox, liposuction and hair implants. However, we all know that feeling young is much more than changing our outward appearance. To feel younger you have to feel and be healthy. The fountain of youth may be a myth but the latest research on aging suggests that humans have a maximum lifespan of 120 years. How can we capitalize on this? There are some irrefutable facts:
Good Genes, Good Choices
Genetics plays a part in longevity and most common diseases result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors, inherited from our parents, make it more or less likely to develop a particular disease. However, our overall health is also a product of how we live and can be greatly influenced by the choices we make. Healthy living can reduce if not neutralize these genetic risk factors and add years to your life.
Eat Healthy
The best way to live longer and stay healthy is to eat healthy. Your body needs a variety of foods to stay healthy and to continue to perform well. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables This will pay back dividends. There is evidence showing that antioxidants can potentially delay the aging process, and protect against the development of age-related diseases. Antioxidants work by neutralizing highly reactive, destructive compounds called free radicals. Consuming more antioxidants, helps provide the body with the tools to neutralize harmful free radicals. Here are some good food sources of the four most commonly known antioxidants.
- Vitamin C - the body cannot store this powerful antioxidant, so it is important to get some regularly — not a difficult task if you eat fruits and vegetables. Important sources include citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, raw cabbage and potatoes.
- Vitamin E - A fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored with fat in the liver and other tissues, vitamin E is promoted for a range of purposes — from delaying aging to healing sunburn. Important sources include wheat germ, nuts, seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and fish-liver oil.
- Beta-carotene - Beta-carotene protects dark green, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits from solar radiation damage. It is thought that it plays a similar role in the body and prevents cancer and heart disease and boosts immunity. Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots are particularly rich sources of beta-carotene.
- Selenium - Is important in the protection of cell membranes. Selenium is also essential for normal functioning of the immune system and thyroid gland. It is best to get selenium through foods, as large doses of the supplement form can be toxic. Good food sources include fish, shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic
Limit the amount of saturated fats and sugars
A diet low in saturated fat and sugars lowers your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, vascular disease, some cancers and obesity.
Keep portions small and limit calorie intake
This will help maintain an ideal body weight and guard against obesity. It is worth noting that low-calorie diets increased the lifespan of lab animals and are associated with long life in humans — so ideally, your calorie intake should be no more than what is needed to keep a healthy weight.
Regular exercise
Regular exercise will reduce the risk of most of the health problems we face, as we get older.
- Combining aerobic exercise with strength training will lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes as well as keep your bones and muscles strong
- It will speed up your metabolism.
- Exercise will also help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Regular exercise is one of the best ways to increase your HDL.
Attitude
Research has found that a positive attitude may delay the ageing process. It is important to remain optimistic, stay happy and laugh a lot!
Comments
[…] Next up Maureen over at Empty Nest has a post on Longevity that everyone should read. I am really into this stuff as well and I was particularly impressed by the vitamins that were listed as being important. […]