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. ^^