TURNING BACK THE BIOLOGICAL CLOCK
We’ve all heard the saying ‘you are what you eat’. Diet directly impacts on the aging process, either through prevention or acceleration. Poor dietary choices will increase inflammation and oxidation within the body – the two key factors in age-related disease. What you eat on a daily basis has the potential to prevent or accelerate aging.
Phytochemicals V’s Antioxidants
Phytochemicals can be found in plants. Their role is to protect the plant against bacteria, viruses and fungi. They play a similar role in your body, protecting you from disease and carcinogens. Different plants contain different phytochemicals. Examples of phytochemicals: Indoles (found in cruciferous vegetables), bioflavonoids (found in citrus fruits).
Antioxidants are also found in plants, they are powerful substances that inhibit the oxidation process occurring. They provide protection from the damaging effects of free radicals, which attack healthy cells, damage DNA – allowing tumours to grow. Examples of antioxidants: vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium.
Foods To Fight The Clock
Turmeric
– Anti-tumour
– Powerful antioxidant
– Reduces age related disease
– Anti-inflammatory
Cruciferous vegetables
– Protects cells from DNA damage
– Inactivate carcinogens
– Antiviral & antibacterial effects
– Anti-inflammatory effects
– Induce cell death of unhealthy or infected cells
– Inhibit tumour blood vessel formation and tumour cell formation
(Bok Choy, broccoli, brussles sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, watercress, radishes)
Shiitake Mushrooms
– Chol
esterol lowering- Anti-tumour
– Immune support- Viral inhibiting effects
– Cardiovascular health
What To Avoid
Processed foods
Also known as ‘dead food’. They are commercially developed for ease of consumption. The problem is they’re loaded with saturated fats, sodium and sugar to make it taste good – but provide little to no nutritional value. Don’t be fooled into thinking they make your life easier in the short term, they end up being more detrimental to your health down the track.
Every change you make to your diet – big or small, will make a difference to your health!