Helpful Health Tips

AGING AND LONGIVITY
Longevity is acquired when a series of factors come together, such as balanced diet, low stress, good genetics, well-being, in addition to taking responsibility for all of the elements involved in good health including such nutrients which protect the body from various environmental effects.

Symptoms:Aging of the skin and cells in all the organs of the body is part of a natural process, which is determined by the genes and the oxidation process taking place in each cell of the body. The enhanced oxidation adversely affects the immunity system. The Immune system plays a large role in ageing process with its operation center located in the thymus gland. When the immune system of the body fails dues to enhanced cellular oxidation, organs are at the mercy of virus, bacteria etc. nutrients that help keep the thymus healthy are – Echinacea, Vitamins A, C and E along with the minerals Zinc and Selenium.

Causes: On the other hand, it is known that smoking and polluted air produce molecular crossings in cells and these are responsible for skin and tissue hardening, which causes brittle and wrinkle skin.
This affect of molecular crossing is also produced by free radicals, which tend to destroy and degenerate cells, proteins, tissues as well as the heart of cells- the DNA by oxidation.
Ultra violet rays from the sun produce free radicals, by the normal metabolism of certain fats and polluted air.
Free radicals affect cerebral cells causing old age diseases such as the loss of memory, depression, insomnia, sexual impotency, arteriosclerosis etc.

Suggestion for increasing life and well-being:

1. Consume Grains – Grains are rich in proteins, minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium) and starches. Two types of grains exist –
   • Cereal: Rice, corn, wheat, oats and
   • Legumes: (Rich in proteins) all types of beans – kidney, lentil, lima,
     garbanzos, soybeans and peas.
2. Consume Vegetables: There are as many as five different types of vegetables: leafy green, seedpod, flower, stalk and roots.
   • Leafy: Lettuce, cabbage, cilantro, swiss chard, alfalfa, spinach, parsleymint, grape leaves, cactus onion tops.
   • Seed Pods: All types of tomatoes, squash, hot peppers, eggplant, green beans, cucumber.
   • Flower: Cauliflower, broccoli, squash blossoms, artichokes, and palm flowers.
   • Stalks: Celery, asparagus, mushrooms, corn smut.
   • Roots: Beets, all types of onions, garlic, carrots, radishes, and turnips.
3. Consume Fruits: In addition to vitamins and minerals, these products contain monosaccharide sugars, which are easily assimilated by the body. Fruits can be classified into three categories
   • Juice: Orange, grapes, lime and mandarin, lemon, watermelon, cantaloupe, and tamarind.
   • Pulp: Banana, mango, papaya, strawberry, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, and tamarind.
   • Endosperm: Apple, pear, peach, apricot, plum quiche, prickly pear, fig, grape, guava, kiwi, dates, coconut and promegranate.
   • Avocado has more calories than any other fruit. Papaya has the max. protein.
4. Consume Tubers: Potatoes and yams are the most common. These products are high polysaccharide carbohydrates(starches). The sugars in fruits and tubers provide the most important source of energy for the body.

Other vital elements for good health are:

1. Fiber: Soluble fiber is found in oats, fruits and vegetables. It helps to lower cholesterol and concentrated sugars in the blood. Insoluble fiber that is found in cereals and legumes is good for the digestive system and protects against cancer of the colon. It is suggested to consume 20 to 30 grams per day.
2. Fats: In a good diet, fat should not be omitted, as along as it is not more than 30% of the daily calorie intake.

“Nutrition is very important factor for good health and longevity. A semi-vegetarian diet is ideal for adding years of life science it contains a great number of vitamins, minerals and fiber.”

Suggested Vitamins and Minerals