6 Superfoods For Age-Defying Beauty!

Copyright 2006 Sylvia Riley

6 superfoods for age-defying beauty:

1) Goji Berries

Goji berries, hollywoods hottest new food, are one of the most nutritionally dense foods on earth and house a staggering concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytochemicals and essential fatty acids. With such an awesome constitution it is not surprising they are reputed anti-aging marvels. Originating in Tibet and greatly favoured in traditional medicine these dried berries have many noted health benefits including boosting immunity, lowering cholesterol, enhancing vision, fighting cancer cells, relieving depression and aiding weight loss.

Goji berries contain 500 times more vitamin C than oranges by weight and more beta-carotene than carrots making them a superb source of vitamin A. Together with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, these berries are ideal for any anti-aging and beauty regime. They also contain polysaccharides, one of which has been found to stimulate the secretion of the rejuvenating human growth hormone by the pituitary gland, as well as B vitamins, 21 minerals and 18 amino acids.

The most well documented case of longevity is that of Li Qing Yuen, who lived to the age of 252. Born in 1678, he is said to have married 14 times with 11 generations of posterity before his death in 1930. Li Qing Yuen reportedly consumed goji berries daily.

A study cited in Dr. Mindell抯 book 慓oji: The Himalayan Health Secret? observed that 67 per cent of elderly people that were given a daily dose of the berries for 3 weeks experienced dramatic immune system enhancement and a significant improvement in spirit and optimism.

2) Aloe Vera

Foget botox, Aloe vera increases collagen production 100% naturally for a youthful, wrinkle-free complexion and plump, beautiful skin. The ultimate botox alternative!

The inner gel of the aloe vera leaf contains around 200 active compounds with over 75 nutrients. These include 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins (even vitamin B12 ?one of the very few plant sources of this vitamin). Aloe vera also has anti-microbial properties fighting fungi and bacteria and houses anti-inflammatory plant steroids and enzymes. Aloe vera is known to aid digestion and elimination, boost the immune system, and be highly effective at healing, moisturizing and rejuvianting the skin, naturally stimulating the production of collagen.

Aloe vera is best eaten fresh when possible (you can order large aloe vera leaves which last a few weeks refridgerated). Scrape out the inside gel, avoiding the outside of the leaf which is a strong laxative, and blend with fruit for the ultimate beautifying smoothie. Aloe vera has a mild flavour though a slight bitter edge, hence is best combined with fruit.

3) Avocados

Avocados are smoothing and softening for the skin and easily absorbed; compared with almond, corn, olive, and soybean oils, avocado oil has the highest skin penetration rate.

Avocado also contains vitamin E (excellent for the skin), antioxidant carotenoids and the master antioxidant glutathione that is exceptionally powerful and has anti-carcinogenic potential. High levels of glutathione are found in the liver where the elimination of toxic materials takes place.

Glutathione is effective against pollutants such as cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes as well as ultra-violet radiation. Research is currently exploring the potential benefits of glutathione for numerous conditions including cancer, heart disease, memory loss, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, eczema, liver disorders, heavy metal poisoning and AIDS.

4) Chlorella

The nucleic acids RNA and DNA in Chlorella (one of the highest known sources of such) direct cellular growth and repair and enable our bodies to utilize nutrients more effectively, eliminate toxins and avoid disease. The production of nucleic acids in the body declines progressively as we age, which is no doubt why their intake is recommended by Dr. Benjamin Frank in 慣he No-Aging Diet? Paul Pitchford in 慔ealing With Whole Foods?writes that 慽nsufficient nucleic acid causes premature aging as well as weakened immunity? Research at the Medical College of Kanazawa in Japan found that mice that were fed chlorella had a 30 per cent increase in life span. Replenishing RNA and DNA can be key to overall health, immunity and longevity.

In addition to nucleic acids, chlorella is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, making it an incredibly rejuvinating and health-promoting superfood. Spirulina is a virtuous equivalent.

5) Bee pollen

When it comes to young and beautiful skin, bee pollen has outstanding gifts. Swedish dermatologist Dr. Lars-Erik Essen uses bee pollen to successfully treat acne and other skin conditions and observes it抯 beautifying and anti-aging effects. He reports that bee pollen 憇eems to prevent premature aging of the cells and stimulates growth of new skin tissue. It offers effective protection against dehydration and injects new life into dry cells. It smoothes away wrinkles and stimulates a life-giving blood supply to all skin cells.?He believes it抯 skin rejuvintoin properties are due to its high concentration of nucleic acids RNA and DNA, as well as its natural antibiotic action. Bee pollen has a host of other health-promoting benefits that include fighting infections, lowering cholesterol, strengthening the blood, Boosting the immune system, increasing physical strength and stamina, aiding longevity and enhancing libido! It has been called a 'prefect food' because it is so nutritionally complete.

6) Coconut oil

Coconut oil speeds up your metabolism and can actually help you loose weight. It is also incredibly beautifying and moisturizing for the skin and has antioxidant properties which protect against free-radical damage, keeping the skin youthful and healthy. Taken internally or externally coconut oil is a great ally for any beauty skin care regime. It also contains lauric acid, an anti-microbial fatty acid that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Read More..

Stick to Your Calorie Budget With Holiday 'Superfoods'

For those on a calorie budget, the holiday season can seem like a dietary minefield. Cookie platters, office parties, holiday buffets - how to survive without going up a size?

Trade fattening, empty-calorie treats for "holiday superfoods" - traditional seasonal offerings that are low in calories and packed with nutrients. Most holiday superfoods are also high in fiber to fill you up, making it easier to resist temptation.

* Sweet potatoes: This holiday superfood has a beta-carotene content that is off-the-charts - providing 377 percent of your daily vitamin A needs per 103-calorie serving. In addition to promoting eye health, some research shows beta-carotene may help prevent cancer both by neutralizing free radicals and by promoting communication between cells.

* Brussels sprouts: A top source of glucosinolates, "indirect" antioxidants activate the body's own natural detoxification systems. Brussels sprouts also contain other phytonutrients, like indole-3-carbinol, which helps protect against breast cancer. Containing just 36 calories, one serving of four brussels sprouts provides 100 percent of your daily vitamin C. This promotes skin cell turnover and collagen formation, helping to enhance your "holiday glow."

* Cranberries. At just 44 calories per cup, cranberries are high in fiber and help lower levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and may even help boost levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, cranberries rank sixth in total antioxidant capacity (the amount of antioxidants in a serving) out of more than 100 commonly consumed foods. Cranberries also supply procyanidin, a phytonutrient that protects against urinary tract infections.

* Baked apples: Three different varieties of apples - Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Gala - made it into the top 20 of the USDA's antioxidant capacity ranking. In fact, apples provide the main supply of polyphenols - powerful antioxidants that may help inhibit cancer cell proliferation and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol - in the American diet. Fiber content also contributes to apples' cholesterol-lowering effect.

One medium apple contains 80 calories.

* Pumpkin: In addition to serving as an excellent source of eye-healthy vitamin A, pumpkin also serves as a top source of alpha-carotene, an antioxidant linked to lower lung cancer risk in several studies. Beta-cryptoxanthin, another pumpkin carotenoid, was also found to have potentially protective benefits against lung cancer in a recent research review by the Harvard School of Public Health.

One cup of pumpkin, sliced into cubes, contains 30 calories.

* Pecans: Though usually overshadowed by nut headliners like almonds and walnuts, pecans actually come out on top in terms of antioxidant activity. Like other nuts, pecans contain healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which may contribute to their heart health benefits. But pecans are unique in their high amounts of naturally occurring gamma tocopherol - a unique form of vitamin E that may promote prostate and intestinal health.

But don't go overboard. Pecans, like all nuts, are high in calories, containing 196 calories per ounce.

During meal preparation, don't negate the health benefits of superfoods by drowning them in butter. You can cut fat content by partially substituting with applesauce or pureed plums.

Put a brake on the gravy train by letting fat congeal in the fridge, skimming it off then reheating the rest before serving. You can also turn stuffing into a health food by adding extra onions (a top source of an anti-Alzheimer's antioxidant called quercetin), carrots, beans, wild rice or dried fruit.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Read More..