Six foods that ward off aging

There might not be a fountain of youth, but there might be a pantry of youth. People who stock up on the right foods can turn back the clock, according to Karen Ansel, a dietitian and author of "The Anti-Aging Diet" story in last month's Family Circle. Ditch red meat, full-fat dairy, soft drinks, cookies, cakes, white flour and fried and packaged foods, she advises. Add these to your diet instead:

■ Spinach:
It's loaded with Vitamin K, which can improve bone density and lower the risk of hip fracture. Plus, it's the No. 1 source of zeaxanthin and lutein, nutrients that soak up harmful light before it can damage the retinas in your eyes, meaning spinach helps to prevent macular degeneration and blindness.

■ Strawberries:
They are rich in polyphenols, which improve memory and communication by promoting signals between cells.


■ Curry powder:
It's full of the antioxidant curcumin, which wards off Alzheimer's disease by preventing the growth of amyloid plaques, which are toxic to brain cells. In parts of India, where it is eaten daily, the Alzheimer's rate is one-fourth that of the U.S.

■ Tomatoes:
They're packed with lycopene, which protects skin from the oxidation that results from sun damage and leads to wrinkles. Adding a little olive oil helps you absorb lycopene even better.

■ Almonds:
They're brimming with vitamin E, which neutralizes free radicals in your muscles and nervous system and enhances speed, coordination and balance.

■ Dark chocolate:
It's flowing with flavanols, which are plant chemicals that encourage blood vessels to relax. That results in lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Plus, it makes us happy. ^^

7 ENERGY BOASTING STRATEGIES

Our calendars have a way of quickly becoming overwhelming. Coping with a demanding schedule and the ensuing stress requires a lot of energy. If you are dragging yourself through your work, family, and other daily commitments each day longing for the moment you can crash in an exhausted heap onto your bed, then take these tips to keep your energy level up!

                                                      1. Feel berry energetic
Berries are rich in antioxidants and can also help remove toxic residue from the system, which is often the cause of chronic fatigue and low energy. Berries include blueberries, blackberries, raspberry, cranberry, goji berry, hawthorn berries and cherries. [Does Halle Berry count? ^^]

2. Make the most of magnesium
Every time your body produces energy, your cells' mitochondria, which are tiny "power generators", need magnesium. Many people don't get enough of this essential mineral, because two common dietary habits leach magnesium from our bodies: too much salt and too much dairy. Whole grains are full of magnesium. So are seeds such as pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds. And don't forget about nuts-especially almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews. If you prefer capsule form, try taking 500 mg magnesium daily.

Combine the best of berries and nuts by making your own trail mix of dried cranberry, plum, and raisin with any combination of nuts and seeds. It's an ideal between-meals snack packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and fibers that help sustain energy over a long period of time.

3. Food that fights fatigue
Poor diet is a big contributor to low energy. For steady, robust energy eat foods that are low on the glycemic index, a measurement of how quickly the food you eat converts to glucose, the substance your body needs for energy. Foods with a high glycemic index (HGI), such as bread, pasta, baked potatoes, and most refined grains, give you a quick rush, but fatigue soon sets in when your blood sugar crashes. Foods that are low on the glycemic index help sustain energy over time. That include barley, bulgur, quinoa, amaranth, most nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, chicken, fish, and meat.

Avoid an energy crash by eliminating sugar from your diet, including sodas, sweetened juices, and pastries. Also cut back on rich foods like dairy, meat, fats, sweets, and alcohol. As for when to eat, never skip breakfast or lunch and be sure to eat your last meal no later than 7 p.m. most of the time.

4. Get green energy
Chlorella (read again... dont confuse that with cholera), spirulina, kelp, wheat grass, barley grass all contain chlorophyll and are high quality protein supplements that enhance long-term energy. Mix a powder of any of the above into water, juice, or green tea for an energetic boost.

[I find this complicated or difficult. Maybe eating spinach, brocolli and other green vegetables would do the trick.]

5. Ginseng: a potent pick-me-up
Ginseng is considered the king of energy tonics and has been used in Chinese medicine for 5,000 years. Unlike coffee, which stimulates the central nervous system, ginseng elevates energy gently. It has been classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the immune system to withstand stress from the environment, and many people that take ginseng report an overall sense of well-being.

6. Increase your energy with exercise
Exercise every day can help you increase your energy level, cope with stress, and improve your mood. A daily 30-minute cardiovascular exercise combined with stretching and flexibility training is a sure way to get abundant energy.

If you are intimidated by jumping right into exercise, begin with a daily walking routine. Start small and slowly increase the amount of time you walk. Walk 10 minutes a day for one week. Walk 15 minutes a day on week two, and so on until by week five, you are walking 30 minutes a day. In the meantime, a walk around the block builds your energy level as it clears your mind!

7. Press here for energy
In Chinese medicine, there is an acupuncture point called Foot Three Mile that can be stimulated to help strengthen the body’s resistance to stress, enhance immunity, and strengthen the vital organs. You can stimulate the same acupuncture point on yourself with a technique called "acupressure." Instead of a needle stimulating the point, you can use your own fingers. The point is located four finger-widths below the kneecap on the right leg. Apply moderate pressure with your thumb until you feel soreness. Hold for 3-5 minutes. Repeat on the left leg.

[OK... the seventh i am not so sure about. Never done it but i might try... I believe in science not eastern medicine, but hey, that's just me... But it's worth the try. Maybe... whatever.]

How To Save A Life...

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSvorXVuCcc

I was kinda late to discover this simple yet awesome song (and album) by this relatively new band, The Fray. Ive heard the song many times before but havent really noticed its craft. It was in "Grey's Anatomy" that i then [re]discovered the impact and beauty of this simple song. All of a sudden, it has become my national anthem for a time. The title itself provides a lot of possible interpretations. It was also that time when i was getting hooked on "piano rock" so The Fray was absolutely a good find. (Thanks to Linkin Park and Evanescence, piano became an integral part in many rock songs.)

Later on, i also discovered that they are not just another band. They are a band with spiritual depth. Being a mainstream band, the spirituality of their songs might not be too quickly evident. I think their second album to be released in February will have more spiritual message as already evident in the first single "You Found Me."

Overall, How to Save a Life (the album) is nearly perfect. Nearly every song's message contains key values and life lessons.

The title track "How to save a life" is a song written by Isaac for friend who had an untimely death.

[How To Save a Life. That's how i call this blog section of mine dealing with medical science and psycho-physical well being...]

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