Sugars and refined foods or carbs that turn into sugars and fats can promote premature aging, wrinkles and sagging skin, as well as heart disease, obesity, and many other illnesses and conditions that are serious and will shorten a life span. In addition, sugars suppress the immune system and contribute to the formation of AGE – advance glycation end products – molecules, which have an adverse effect in the body and in the destruction of collagen and elastin. AGE’s also aid in the formation of free radicals, and decrease antioxidants in the body. All this contributes to acceleration in the aging process. One way in which to decrease this damage to the system and look younger is by eliminating sugars and processed foods from the diet. Processed foods are also high in sugars. Consuming natural and organic foods will help in the reduction of sugar content and in other environmental pollutants, such as pesticides that damage the body.
Consuming organic foods high in antioxidants will help strengthen the immune system and keep a youthful appearance, as well as promote longevity. Consuming organic fruits and vegetables is a great way to increase antioxidant consumption and a way to promote a healthy state. In addition, including other foods such as whole grain, seeds, and nuts is beneficial to creating a healthy and balanced diet to combat the signs of aging. Fruits and vegetables with a rich blue, purple, red, and orange color are higher in antioxidant content. Some of these food items include prunes, blueberries, blackberries, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, plums, oranges, red grapes, mango, acai berry, pineapple, peach, tangerine, red apples, tomatoes, carrots … and many other delicious foods.
In addition, good oils, such as omega 3 found in fish, olive oil, and sunflower oil, are an alternative to unhealthy fats and oils, which end up damaging the body. Another great addition to an organic diet is dark green or cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, turnip, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, radish, and other veggies. Garlic and ginger are beneficial as they have antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. A good organic diet should be supplemented by the inclusion of moderate exercise to improve the body’s fitness, muscle elasticity, and blood circulation. The benefits of exercise have been proven. Exercise along with an organic diet, and the use of organic beauty and anti aging creams and beauty products may be as well called the fountain of youth method.
Raw foods will have a higher amount of antioxidants, phytochemicals, enzymes, and vitamins that are beneficial to cell protection and you should aim to eat foods as close to their natural state. The cooking process will destroy many of these properties, so plant base foods are recommended in a natural state. These are not only delicious, but also good for you. In addition to an organic diet, nourishing and hydrating the body by drinking plenty of water to aid digestion and flush away toxins from the body is recommended.
Hormone free foods and foods that are non-chemically engineered are better choices to maintain and promote a healthy state as well as to promote a long life and youthful appearance.