Additional Suggested Anti-Aging Foods

As discussed in our last blog, part of maintaining any treatments that you have done at the Pinewood Health Clinic, whether it be cosmetic fillers, laser resurfacing or mesotherapy injections, is eating well.  Here are some additional suggestions for foods to include in your diet that boast amazing anti-aging properties.

1. Squash

Bright orange squash is loaded with beta-carotene, which in turn converts to vitamin A in the body. This reduces the risks of cancers, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.  The lutein and lycopene found in produce also help protect the skin from sun damage and reduce wrinkling.

Squash is easily baked in the oven. It can be mashed like a potato and served cold and cubed in a salad.

2.  Broccoli

Broccoli and broccoli sprouts contain sulorphane, which increases the production enzymes that help clear toxins from the body. The younger the broccoli is, the more of this anti-aging substance it contains. Broccoli also contains a substantial amount of calcium that is good for teeth, bones, skin and hair.

Broccoli is most nutritious if it is served raw and the broccoli sprouts are delicious served in a sandwich. If sprouts are eaten when they are about three days old they offer up about fifty times the protection of the mature stalks.

3.  Kale

Kale, and other leafy greens like Swiss chard are chock full of antioxidants including the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. This antioxidant combination decreases the risk of macular-related vision degeneration and protects them from sun-induced damage.  Kale also promotes youthfulness by improving your cardiovascular health, boosting your immune system, fight cancer through hormone moderation, regulating blood sugar levels, and aiding in digestion.

Slightly steaming kale or braising makes it easier for the body to assimilate the healing carotenoids.

4.  Red Kidney Beans

Red kidney beans are one of the most nutritious of anti-aging foods.  They contain high levels of LDL cholesterol, which lowers the “bad cholesterol” that can cause heart disease.  Beans also contain anthocyanins and quercetins that fight free radical damage in the body.

Beans are of the most benefit if they are served in a salad or as part of a bean salad with red onions and apple cider vinegar.  Beans are also delicious and healthy served as part of a tomato stew.

5.  Acai Berry

The healing constituents of Acai are vitamins A, C, E, omega fatty acids, protein, iron, and fibre. Every 100 grams of Acai contains 1000 IU of Vitamin A as well as the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc.

Acai has ten times the antioxidant power of red grapes and twice that of blueberries. The free radical cancer fighter that is especially prominent in these berries is anthocyanin.

Another surprising nutritional fact about Acai is that it contains more protein than an egg as well as Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. It is a whole food.

You can find Acai juice quite easily in most grocery stores but be sure to check labels to make sure it is not “cut” too heavily with other juices such as grape or apple.

The most common Acai product available is the frozen pulp but once again be sure to read labels to make sure that there is no sugar added.  Acai should be the first ingredient on the label and not sugar or some other kind of fruit or additive.

For more information about improving your diet, losing weight, special diets and the HCG program visit the Pinewood Natural Health Centre website that has a list of full services and products at www.pinewood.ca or call our Toronto Office at  (416)-656- 8100.  We also have an office in Pickering, Ontario at (905)-427-0057. You can also email us at info@pinewoodhealth.ca and we would be happy to answer any question that you have about our holistic health services that you have.