And the anti-aging vegetables are…

If you’re thinking of going vegetarian and trying to give up meat (beef, chicken, and pork) for health reasons, click on the link www.meatvideo.com.  If this does not convince you to give up meat, nothing else will. 

One of my friends became a staunch supporter of animal rights after watching this video.  Just like human beings, animals have the right to life, liberty, and happiness.  Another friend who became an extremist for animal rights said that even sea animals have rights, too. So he turned into a purist and is now a total vegan.  We cannot turn vegetarians overnight as our palate is so used to meat dishes, but step by step, we can aspire to be. When I decided to stop eating meat, the last thing I gave up was ham. But every now and then, I still give in to the temptation, most notably during media noche on Christmas Eve. 

Oprah’s favorite doctors, Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen, recently came up with an article that identified some vegetables that reverse the aging process, some more convincingly than the others. 

They identified seven of these heavy-hitting superstars.  They contain certain properties that slow down the aging process in more ways than one. Here, meet the superstars:

1) Tomatoes. They contain the powerful antioxidant lycopene that combats free radicals (ions that can damage healthy cells, weakening your immune system) and helps protect against some cancers, including lung cancer. 

2) Kale.  It’s a major source of Vitamin K which helps ward off osteoporosis and heart disease.  The variety Winterbor kale contains a high level of fiber, which can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

3) Eggplant. Its deep purple skin gets its rich color and antiaging power from “nasunin,” a nutrient that helps fight the spread of cancerous cells by cutting off the blood supply they need to multiply. Research also suggests that nasunin may slow the development of Alzheimer’s by preventing free radicals from damaging neurons. 

4) Red bell pepper. It boosts the immune system and contains roughly 60% more Vitamin C than its green counterpart.  A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that Vitamin C is definitely antiaging as it helps ward off or minimize wrinkles because it triggers the production of collagen. 

5) Blackberries. High levels of rutin, a potentially lifesaving flavonoid (a class of antioxidants) are found in this fruit.  Rutin may block an enzyme linked to the formation of blood clots, lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke, according to a study from Harvard Medical School. 

6) Basil. The antioxidant eugenol is one of this herb’s medicinal properties.  Recent lab studies found that this compound sparks anti-carcinogenic activity in cervical cancer cells, causing them to self-destruct.  Women should take note of this fact. 

7) Brussels sprouts. Our cells are naturally equipped with tumor-suppressing genes. The sulfur in Brussels sprouts may help those genes by blocking enzymes that promote tumor growth. These sulfur compounds may also treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and activating cartilage-protecting proteins. 

Health experts suggest that we take five servings of produce a day as they are rich in antioxidants.  Other fruits and vegetables that are also rich in antioxidants are blueberries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach, orange, and moringa (malunggay), to name a few. 

The question is how much of these vegetables should we take daily? Doctors say we cannot really quantify how much of this or that vegetable or fruit we should take, but every little bite helps.  Just like everything in life, moderation is the key! Except for the blackberry and kale, all of these antiaging produce are found in our country.  So let us enjoy looking youthful by developing a taste for these superstars!            — Source: Oprah.com