Foods that turn back time

Would you like to be told that you look 60 but your real age is 44? Of course not, but that is the reality of it all if we don't exercise, doesn't deal with stress well, don't watch what we eat, do drugs or smoke.

In reality, the easiest way to start is to do moderate exercise, eating plenty of foods rich in antioxidants. Consuming more antioxidants helps provide the body with tools to neutralize harmful free radicals. It was estimated that there are more than 4,000 compounds in foods that act as antioxidants. The most studied include vitamins C and E, betacarotene and the mineral selenium.

Anti-aging foods are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help keep skin firm by protecting the skin's collagen and elastic tissue from oxidants or "free radicals" (unstable oxygen molecules) that attack it. Different doctors and nutritionists have their favorite antioxidant foods. But, certain foods seem to show up on most lists such as berries, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, tomatoes (heat up and put a little oil in them. Lycopene is another antioxidant and has additional benefits for the heart), tea, nuts, beans and whole grains. (blueberries, sweet potatoes and broccoli etc.)

The Acai Berry which is commonly pronounced a-sigh-ee, is a rather small, round, and black-looking purple from South American rainforests. It resembles a grape or a blueberry, but is yet smaller and darker. This fruit has a large seed and minimum amount of pulp. The acai fruit berry is now broadly used in energy juices, ice cream, certain energy bars with granola. Acai has been used for many generations by the natives of Brazil. Acai boasts 10 times the antioxidant benefits of grapes and twice that of blueberries.

Other options are white tea.Just like those other teas, white tea come from the Camellia sinensis plant. But the leaves are picked and harvested before the leaves open fully, when the buds are still covered by fine white hair. White tea is similar to green tea, in that it's undergone very little processing and no fermentation. But there is a noticable difference in taste. Most green teas have a distinctive 'grassy' taste to them, but white tea does not. The flavour is described as light, and sweet. You should steep white tea in water that is below the boiling point. If you are drinking tea for your health, you may want to consider white tea.

Another powerful antioxidant that comes from the skins of grapes is red wine. Moderation is required when drinking to your health.

Spice rack is full of anti-aging secrets. Cinnamon can decrease blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. Arthritis sufferers may also find relief in tumeric, a spice found in curry that has been reported to help prevent Alzheimers' disease.

Dr. Nicholas Perricone who recommended these 10 foods to help look and age better:

1. Acai Fruit: berry that can be found in juice form in health and gourmet stores.2. Allium Family: garlic, onion, leeks, scallions, chives, and shallots.3. Barley: used as breakfast cereal, soups, and stews, and as a rice substitute.4. Green Foods: wheat and barley grasses can be bought in powder, tablet, or juice form and offer greater levels of nutrients than green leafy vegetables.5. Buckwheat: seed and grain.6. Beans & Lentils: black, kidney, navy, pinto, chickpeas, soybeans, peas, and lentils.7. Hot Peppers: bell and chili peppers.8. Nuts & Seeds: walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia, and pistachio.9. Sprouts.10. Yogurt and Kefir.

12 WAYS TO HELP PREVENT WRINKLES

1. Drink Water: 6-8 glasses per day to keep the skin hydrated.2. Wear Sunscreen: SPF 15 or higher3. Wear Protective Clothing: wide brimmed hats and sunglasses when in the sun.4. Don't sunbathe.5. Avoid sun exposure between 10am and 3pm.6. Moisturize Regularly.7. Exercise Regularly.8. Eat Healthy, especially foods high in anti-oxidants.9. Take Vitamins: multi-vitamins, especially vitamins A, C and E.10. Limit Alcohol intake.11. Avoid Smoking.12. Get plenty of sleep.