AVOID THESE – AGE GRACEFULLY

Free radicals.

Free radicals are chemically unstable molecules

that attack your cells and damage your DNA.

You can limit your exposure to them by avoiding

cigarettes, trans fats, charred meats, and other

sources.

Organic fruits and vegetables will also limit your

exposure to pesticides and herbicides, which

contain the harmful molecules.

Inflammation.

Inflammation is a major player in many diseases

of aging, including cancer, diabetes, heart

disease, and Alzheimer's. One way to avoid it is

to follow a Mediterranean-style diet.
Other great anti-inflammatory foods include

turmeric, dark chocolate, and the anti-aging

chemical resveratrol. Exercise is another great

way to lower inflammation.

Glycation.

Glycation is what happens when sugar mixes with

proteins and fats to form molecules that promote

aging. Advanced glycation end products, or AGEs,

are thought to accelerate your aging process by

churning out free radicals and promoting

inflammation. One way to avoid ingesting AGEs

is to turn down the heat when you cook.

The browning effect of high-heat cooking causes

these molecules to form. Limiting your intake

of sugar-filled foods in general will also help.

Stress.

Stress initiates the release of a variety of hormones

that make your pulse race and cause your blood

pressure to rise. The hormone cortisol, released

to lessen these effects, also creates problems when

it remains chronically elevated. Try practicing

relaxation techniques to help manage stress, and

get enough sleep every night.

Sources:
U.S. News & World Report July 29, 2010
The Guardian August 1, 2010