When defining aging, we think about the multi-dimensional aspects, such as the physical, the psychological and the social changes that have been accumulated by a person over time.

Anti-aging foods are actually foods that delay degeneration or can assist in the regeneration process. You may not be aware of it but even if you are just sitting on your chair, staring at the skies, cells are dying. But even if they are dying, new cells are also formed. But it will only form when there is proper nutrition. Because without proper nutrition, the dead cells will either be replaced with weaker cells or cells that has the same strength as the previous cells. What we actually want is the replacement of cells that have better or stronger quality. But this will only happen if the nutrients that are consumed by the cells are of good quality. When cells are replaced with better quality cells, this is called regeneration.

Another name for regeneration is anti-aging. Below are foods that can actually help in the regeneration or anti-aging processes of the cells. By eating the right amounts of these foods every day, you will live healthier.

1. Avocados

   Avocado is best eaten using the “nick and peel” method. This is important to remember because the greatest concentration of carotenoids can be found just beneath the skin - the dark green flesh. While most people think carotenoids is just colored orange or red, the dark green variety is also rich with this important nutrient. Being rich in different types of carotenoids, it stops the inflammation processes. According to some theories, the reason why human being age is due to inflammation. Inflammation is actually a response of the body to stimuli that are harmful to the bodies, such as the pathogens and the damage of cells. Although inflammation is necessary for healing, chronic inflammation has a downside effect as it causes the body to degenerate. But not only is carotenoids present in avocados. This fruit also has several phytonutrients, such as phytosterols, flavonoids and alpha-linoleic and oleic acids that makes it the perfect food for anti-aging.

2. Berries

   There are several types of berries. Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and raspberries are the most common among them. No matter what type of berries they are, for those who want to stop the formation of wrinkles on their skin, berries are the answer.

   In a research conducted in Korea at Hallym University, using topical preparation of ellagic acid thwarted the destruction of collagen and its inflammatory reaction. Both this events cause wrinkle formation. Ellagic acid, on the other hand, is found in almost all types of berries. Ellagic acid actually protects the skin from the damage caused by ultraviolet rays by obstructing the production of an enzyme that causes breakdown of the collagen in the skin cells that are damaged. When this is blocked, inflammation is reduced, and wrinkles are prevented.

3. Cruciferous Vegetables

   Cruciferous vegetables are those of the family Brassicaceae. Examples of these are cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and bok choy. According to the latest research published in the journal called Cell, cruciferous vegetables contain the chemical signals that are essential to having an optimally active immune system. The chemical signals actually works in the intestines and skin by making sure that the immune cells called IEL, or intra-epithelial lymphocytes, of these organs are working properly. IELs are important in repairing the wound and as a first-line of defence. With lowered IEL, there is heightened immune system activity and the body is more susceptible to injury, which results to increasing degeneration or aging of the cells.

4. Garlic

   Garlic is effective as an anti-aging food because of its organic compound called allicin, which is presently being perceived as the world’s most powerful antioxidant. Allicin, according to several researches, is able to effectively trap free radicals that can be damaging to the body. In the International Chemistry Journal in 2009, it explained that allicin has to decompose first in order to produce a powerful antioxidant. With this potent antioxidant trapping damaging free radicals, the body sustains healthy cells that are capable of regenerating.

5. Ginger

   Arthritis actually indicates aging. But with ginger, development of arthritis is slowed down. Ginger contains gingerols, an anti-inflammatory compound. In a study published by the journal Osteoarthritis Cartilage, it showed that those who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis have reported a reduction in their complaints of pain once they had taken ginger regularly. There is also recovery on the problems with mobility. In another study by Life Sciences, it pointed to 6-gingerol as the substance that stops peroxynitrite, that is formed by nitric oxide. Peroxynitrite is one of the free radicals that cause so much damage to the cells. So if this free radical is inhibited, there is reduction in cell damage, therefore keeping the cells young.

6. Nuts

   While most nuts have some anti-aging substances, walnuts can help in the anti-aging process through bone health. Walnuts can actually decrease a certain collagen component in the blood levels. If this type of collagen called N-telopeptides is decreased, there is less mineral loss in the bones, which will eventually result to better bone stability. Aside from that, walnuts have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect that preserves the cells from negative damage.

7. Watermelon

   Aside from being a good source of vitamin A and C that makes it a powerful antioxidant, watermelon also increases libido and has an effect similar to Viagra in the blood vessels. Additionally, the fruit has a chemical called arginine that do not just relaxes the blood vessels and increase blood flow, but also help in removing ammonia in the urea cycle, together with other toxins in our body. With reduced toxins, there are reduced chances of aging.

8. Water

   Perhaps the most basic among the anti-aging foods is water. All cells in our body are made up of water. Without water, cells will die. By drinking enough amounts of water every day, our body, especially the skin, is rehydrated. If there is dehydration of the skin, there will be dryness, tightness and flakiness, and these are signals of wrinkled skin. So drinking just the right amount of water every day ensures that you are neither dehydrated nor over hydrated.

Sources
womenfitness.net
sciencedaily.com
whfoods.org