Anti-ageing Cafe'
Date: 31 May 2011
From time immemorial, humankind has yearned to discover the secret to an ageless existence. The ancients thought it resided in the Philosopher’s Stone; Count Vlad sought it in the blood of his enemies; and Ponce de León waded with alligators and insects, convinced it lay hidden in a Florida swamp. Needless to say, the coveted result eluded them all.
I would like to propose that the closest thing we may ever find to the Fountain of Youth is at our own dinner table— provided, of course, we take advantage of nature’s delicious treasures. In recent years, our knowledge of the health-giving properties of our edibles has increased enormously, showing how Mother Nature has provided us with all we need to restore, improve, and lengthen our lives. And there is no reason why healthy eating and gustatory pleasure cannot go hand-in-hand. Here are some foods that can contribute enormously to your wellbeing and longevity - not to mention your culinary reputation. So break out the tablecloth and napkins, and share your new-found secrets with family and friends, from your very own anti-ageing café.
The Grocery List – Brought to you by GNC Livewell Marrickville (located outside Woolworths)
Broccoli and cauliflower are both rich in one of the most powerful phytonutrients – indoles - known to have strong anticancer properties. They are the big guns when it comes to antioxidants and cancer-fighting potential.
Garlic is shown to protect against cardiovascular disease, and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering ldl cholesterol, but not hdl (good) cholesterol.
Leeks contain impressive concentrations of the antioxidant polyphenol kaempferol, which is associated with a protective effect against heart disease and cancer.
Beets contain a unique source of phytonutrients called betalains. Betanin and vulgaxanthin are the two best researched
betalains from beets, and both have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties.
Pine nuts pack a punch with a nice dose of dietary fibre, healthy fats, plant sterols, phytonutrients and antioxidants, such
as vitamin E, zinc and manganese. They are also high in the amino acid ‘arginine’, which helps keep blood vessels healthy, once converted to nitric oxide in the body. Studies indicate that regular consumption of olive oil can lower the risk of coronary heart disease by reducing blood cholesterol levels. Plus, research has also found that olive oil may influence body fat distribution, with less fat stored around the stomach.
Orange, papaya and mango: all three of these orange-fleshed beauties deliver beta-cryptoxanthin, a powerful carotenoid,
which protects the body from free radical damage and lowers the risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Studies show that the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon may increase hdl cholesterol and lower ldl cholesterol; reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke; reduce inflammation from osteoarthritis; decrease the risk of depression; reduce the risk of macular degeneration; reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers; and help increase calcium levels in the body, thus prohibiting bone loss and improving bone strength. Whew!
Ginger is another antioxidant cancer fighter. If you need to know the phytonutrient responsible, it is called Gingerol.
Asparagus is a source of beta carotene and lutein, which are essential for healthy eyes.
Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are a final blast of cancer-fighting, hearthelping anthocyanins and phenolic
antioxidants.
Honey may be sweet, but the sweetest thing about this food isn’t just the taste. It contains powerful phytonutrients that boost the immune system, destroy free radicals.