Foods For Longevity

Tomatoes. A major source of the antioxidant lycopene that reduces the
risk
of cancer by 40% -- notably prostate, lung and stomach cancers -- and
increases cancer survival. Tomato eaters function better mentally in old
age
and suffer half as much heart disease. Concentrated tomato sauces have 5
times more lycopene than fresh tomatoes, and canned tomatoes have three
times more than fresh.
Olive Oil. Shown to help reduce death from heart disease and cancer.
Recent
research shows that heart-attack survivors on a Mediterranean diet had
half
the death rates of those on an ordinary low-fat diet. Olive oil is also
high
in antioxidant activity.
Red Grapes, including red grape juice and red wine. Red grapes have
moderate
antioxidant power, while purple grape juice has four times more
antioxidant
activity than orange or tomato juice. Red wine (not white) has about the
same antioxidant capacity as purple grape juice or tea. French research
show
that drinking red wine in moderation increases longevity, but excessive
drinking has the opposite effect, so limit to two glasses per day. Drink
grape juice.
Garlic. German researchers have found that garlic is packed with
antioxidants know to help fend off cancer, heart disease and all-over
aging,
and prolong cancer survival time. Let crushed garlic "rest" about 10
minutes
before cooking to preserve disease-fighting agents.
Spinach. Second among vegetables only to garlic in antioxidant capacity
and
is also rich in folic acid, which helps fight cancer, heart disease and
mental disorders. New University of Kentucky research shows folic acid
may
help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Eat both raw and steamed for best
benefit.
Whole grains. A University of Minnesota study suggests the more whole
grains you eat, the lower your odds of death by 15%. Whole grains
contain
anticancer agents and help stabilize blood sugar and insulin, which may
promote longevity. Whole-grain "dark" breads, cereals such as All
Bran,
and
old fashioned" oatmeal are an excellent source.
Salmon, and other fatty fish. Contains high amounts of omega-3 fat that
performs miracles throughout the body, fighting virtually every chronic
disease known. Without it, your brain can't think, your heart can't
beat,
your arteries clog, and joints become inflamed. You need one ounce a
day, or
two servings of salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring or tuna per week.
Nuts. Eating more than 5 ounces a week can cut heart-attack deaths in
women
by 40% and help prevent deadly irregular heart beats in men a Harvard
University study found. Almonds and walnuts lower blood cholesterol.
Most of
the fat in nuts is the good-type monounsaturated and/or omega-3.
Unsalted
nuts are best.
Blueberries. High in antioxidants, Tufts University researchers say a
half-cup of blueberries a day can retard aging and can block brain
changes
leading to decline and even reverse failing memory.
Tea. Green or black tea has equal antioxidant benefit. One cup a day can
cut heart disease risk in half Harvard researchers found. Make from
loose
tea or tea bags, instant and bottled tea has little effect Tufts
University
shows.