Anti-Aging Tips for You!

by Martha Jette
(Hamilton, Ontario)

Let’s face it. We all want to stay as young, healthy, mentally alert and strong as long as we can into our latter years. What follows are some helpful tips to help you do just that!

Exercise
Whether that means full out exercising or gentle stretching, regular physical activity will reduce your level of free-radical induced oxidative stress, which adds to the cause of aging and disease, including Alzheimer’s. Dr. James Jessup of the University of Florida tracked 9,777 men between the ages of 20 and 82 and found that those who exercised and took Vitamin E had a death rate 44 per cent lower than those who didn’t. As well, inactivity can lead to arthritis and osteoporosis.

Mental Acuity
Use it or lose it is the motto when it comes to maintaining your mental acuity. Reading helps keep the mind sharp, as do crosswords that make you think. As well, eat blueberries and take Vitamin E.

Healthy Diet
Your fat intake per day should be less than 30 percent of your total calorie intake to lower your risk of heart disease. Eat five servings a day of fruits and vegetables to lower your risk of cancer and three servings of whole grains daily. When you choose foods, choose color and choose fish or chicken over beef. Drink green tea because it contains a potent antioxidant called EGCG, which is good for your mind and heart. Researchers at the University of Montpellier found that drinking apple and grape juice protects against clogged arteries.