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Foods That Keep You Healthier and Younger

By: Cindy Papp An old saying that is odd but true states, "we dig our graves with our teeth." Unfortunately, from the time we are young we are taught that food merely provides calories and energy. But food nutrition is far more important than that. The foods you eat can make you healthier, as well as feel and look younger or they can kill you.

It is important to eat healthy with today's hectic lifestyles. Nutritious foods can help prevent heart disease or allow it to happen. The right foods can help you lose weight or get fat. Some foods even keep your hair and skin healthy and young looking well into your golden years - or allow them to fall out. If you think genetics is responsible then consider this - the nutrition you consume determines which genes are activated and which genes are dormant.

By incorporating certain changes to your daily diet, you can look younger while greatly cutting your risk for disease. As time goes on, your healthier food habits can lessen your chance of dependency on medications later in life and reduce health care costs.

Many of us know which foods to avoid, such as junk food. In fact, the more processed a food is, the less nutrition it may contain. The real question is - what can we eat? To get you going, here is a partial list of high nutrition foods to help keep you healthy and young.

Bananas are full of Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and fiber. The high potassium can help regulate high blood pressure while other nutrients help strengthen your stomach lining against ulcers.

Barley has long been considered a heart medicine in the Middle East. It can reduce cholesterol levels and contains antioxidants that may help prevent cancer. Many people drink the dried barley grass because it is full of vitamins, minerals and protein.

Beans are a great source of fiber which also helps to reduce cholesterol levels by up to 10%. In addition, these high protein sources may also help regulate blood sugar levels.

Blueberries can work as a powerful antibiotic. They help keep infectious bacteria from attaching itself to the lining of your urinary tract, helping to prevent bladder infections.

Cinnamon has been shown to stimulate insulin activity so may be helpful for those with adult-onset diabetes. Other studies have proven that it may help prevent blood clots.

Chili Peppers have long been known to help blood flow freely, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They contain capsaicin that helps fight inflammation. This substance is also used for pain relief from ailments such as arthritis and psoriases. Athletes like chili peppers for the effect it has on speeding up metabolism.

Dates are full of fiber and minerals including calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorous and manganese. Dates also contain a natural aspirin.

Garlic has long been used to stimulate the immune system and kill off dangerous parasites. It is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, and helps your body eliminate toxic buildup including zinc and lead. The National Cancer Institute is studying garlic for it's anti-tumor properties.

Ginger helps to relieve nausea and pain caused from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers in Denmark have found it can block the effects of certain substances that cause inflammation of the brain, which leads to migraines. It also has been found to have a similar effect as aspirin does on the thinning of blood helping to prevent blood clots.

Parsley is high in antioxidants. It helps detoxify carcinogens including those found in t0bacco smoke. It helps cleanse the body by absorbing toxins to help move them out of the body.

Teas, especially green teas, are loaded with polyphenols, which help protect from free radical damage. Just 2 cups a day may lower a woman's risk of ovarian cancer by up to 46%. And it helps reduce belly fat.

Adding many of these foods to your daily program is easy. Research is showing how powerful foods can be. Remember Hippocrates, the father of medicine, called on all physicians to let food be your medicine.