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You can slow down your aging process and
help stave off heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. U.S. News &
World Report offers some tips on how to do it:
Free radicals. Free radicals are chemically
unstable molecules that attack your cells and damage your DNA. You can
limit your exposure to them by avoiding cigarettes, trans fats, charred
meats, and other sources.
Organic fruits and vegetables will also limit your exposure to pesticides and herbicides, which contain the harmful molecules.
Inflammation. Inflammation is a major player in
many diseases of aging, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and
Alzheimer's. One way to avoid it is to follow a Mediterranean-style
diet.
Other great anti-inflammatory foods include turmeric, dark
chocolate, and the anti-aging chemical resveratrol. Exercise is another
great way to lower inflammation.- Glycation. Glycation is what happens when sugar
mixes with proteins and fats to form molecules that promote aging.
Advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, are thought to accelerate your
aging process by churning out free radicals and promoting inflammation.
One way to avoid ingesting AGEs is to turn down the heat when you cook.
The browning effect of high-heat cooking causes these molecules to
form. Limiting your intake of sugar-filled foods in general will also
help. - Stress. Stress initiates the release of a
variety of hormones that make your pulse race and cause your blood
pressure to rise. The hormone cortisol, released to lessen these
effects, also creates problems when it remains chronically elevated. Try
practicing relaxation techniques to help manage stress, and get enough
sleep every night.
Sources:
The Guardian August 1, 2010