Showing posts with label longevity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label longevity. Show all posts

Monday, March 12, 2012

Contribute to your own longevity



Everyone wishes longevity and it is in reach of anyone. But it depends solely on yourself. It is also nothing out of the ordinary or rocket science that will ensure longevity.

It is basic things and measures everyone knows about but unfortunately, in spite of our knowledge, ignore these basic things.

Well, here are 10 basic measures or rules to ensure good health and thus longevity:

1. If you are a smoker, stop smoking immediately or follow some course or other interventions available that will assist you to quit smoking. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of preventable illnesses. Do not wait for Health Organisations and Governments to put measures in place, do it now!

2. Look after your weight and maintain a healthy weight. To do this is not difficult. The main ingredient here is pure will power! You can still eat delicious and tasty food and meals in spite of a diet you follow or whilst just generally looking after your weight.

3. Adopt an active life style. Inactivity, linked to the modern age we are living in puts your health at risk; from problems ranging from heart disease to osteoporosis. The good news is that any activity from walking to gardening will help to get you active. To be office bound for 8-10 hours a day is also no excuse for inactivity. There are many exercises you can in your office without breaking out in a sweat.

4. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. And we all know, never drink and drive!

5. Fasten your seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a car.

6. There is not one person who can say he does not have stress. Stress is a necessity to drive or motivate us. It is the manner how each individual deal with stress in his life that matters. Medication and especially scheduled medicine is not a solution to stress.

7. Irrespective of your age, regular go for a check-up. It is especially your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood-sugar levels, prostate (men) and breast-check-up (women) that should be priorities.

8. Learn to control your anger and discharge it appropriately.

9. Manage your time.  Do not allow your employer (except for official working hours) or anyone else to manage or rule your time. This is your responsibility. No one who is chronically overwhelmed by work and chores at home and at work can operate at peak efficiency. Make time for yourself.

10. No man is an island – therefore no one can function if not sociable. Sound relationships with family members, colleagues, friends, etc. have a definite impact on our wellbeing and subsequently our longevity.

These are only a few tips; the list is unlimited but at least it is a start!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

The Healthiest Foods to Eat


A list of the top 10 healthiest foods may seem like a come-on. Magic food? We all know there are no real magic foods. The road to optimum health is not in a pill or one magic food. But there are foods that pack such a nutritional wallop and possess such powerful health benefits, that they are referred to as "super foods".


This healthy food list consists of foods that are nutrient dense. That is, they have more nutrients per calorie than most other foods. They have also been proven to contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that prevent disease: from cancer to heart disease to arthritis, and many more.


These super foods are perfect for heart healthy, low fat cooking and most fit perfectly into a low carb lifestyle as well.


The 10 healthiest foods are foods that are so exceptionally good for us that we should include them in our healthy diet on a regular basis. Our list of super foods is arranged alphabetically, not in order of importance. Each is an amazing food; jam packed with health giving benefits.


The 10 Healthiest Foods to Eat


1. Berries


Berries are extremely rich in antioxidants which help protect the cells in our bodies from damage and therefore from diseases like cancer. Among other things they are also an excellent source of Vitamin C and soluble fibre. Blueberries might help reverse the short term memory loss that often comes with aging.


2. Broccoli


Broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage) helps fight cancer, especially breast, colon and lung. It boosts the immune system. Broccoli also contains antioxidants and a substance called sulforaphane, which research is showing to be a powerful cancer fighter and preventer.


3. Citrus Fruits


The citrus bioflavonoid in oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit have anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. Many of these citrus bioflavonoid have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and blood clot inhibiting abilities.


4. Garlic


Numerous studies have shown that regular consumption of garlic can lower our blood pressure. It also prevents the blood from being overly sticky and decreases LDL cholesterol (the "bad" one) while increasing the good HDL cholesterol.


5. Nuts


Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a special type of fat that is essential for our bodies, but that the body cannot produce. Omega-3 essential fatty acids protect us against heart disease.


Almonds are also known for their ability to help lower LDL cholesterol levels.


6. Oats


Oats also help reduce cholesterol. Research shows that one bowl of oatmeal per day can reduce cholesterol by up to 23%. Oats are also considered an excellent grain for diabetics as they have less impact on blood sugar levels than some other grains.


7. Salmon


The Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and other fatty fish may help prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the body's rate of blood clotting.


8. Spinach


Spinach's secret weapon, lutein, makes it one of the best foods in the world to prevent cataracts, as well as age related macular degeneration, the leading cause of preventable blindness in the elderly.


9. Tomatoes


Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and as such helps to protect the cells in our bodies from damage.


10. Turkey


Turkey is one of the leanest protein foods and is low in calories, making it an excellent healthy food choice. Turkey also contains selenium which has been shown to inhibit cancer development, improve the immune system, and aid in the metabolism of our thyroid hormone.
You can see that the top 10 healthiest foods, or "super foods,” are also some of our favourites. 


By including these super foods in a healthy diet on a regular basis you can easily gain many health benefits.


Making healthy food choices just got easier.


By: Karen Ciancio