updated health tips and articles

3/27/2011

Health Benefits Of A Power Nap

by Joseph Sterling
Being tired and sleepy is part and parcel of the busy modern life; it is often difficult to get through the day without being extremely sleepy and wanting to go take a nap. Taking a nap some time during the day is known as a cat nap or a power nap, and is highly enjoyable as well as being refreshing and rejuvenating. In fact, napping provides a boost to the body in many ways, including improved cell repair, heart function, and brain function.

You may still feel somewhat tired after your nap, but this is to be expected, the upside is that despite your tiredness you have given a boost to your brain functioning and have much improved memory capacity after taking a quick nap. Studies have also shown that taking quick naps can reduce stress and boost your overall productivity by increasing our ability to learn and ameliorate your mood. You are certainly doing yourself a big favor by napping during the day, since without a nap your brain functioning will consistently and gradually decline throughout the day.

As you probably know, sleep consists of many different stages. Taking a power nap is meant to only reach the first two stages, namely those of relaxation and light sleep. Your body spends about ten minutes to get through that first stage, and another ten or twenty minutes in the light sleep stage. It is therefore ideal to keep naps at around twenty minutes, though this figure certainly varies between individuals and is by no means set in stone. The problem though is that you do not want to oversleep, because if you slip into the further stages of sleep you will likely experience what is known as sleep inertia. This means you'll wake up with a heavy feeling which leaves you sluggish and requires considerably time to shake off.

People understandably have a difficult time napping during the day, but there are certain methods which can give you an effective routine to follow. One interesting method is to simply relax with a cup of coffee. Once you're done drinking the coffee you can close your eyes and let yourself slowly fall asleep. The caffeine takes about fifteen minutes to kick in, so you'll be naturally woken from your nap and will feel perfectly refreshed. If you still have trouble falling asleep there are many sleep-inducing methods out there, one of the more effective ones includes listening to brainwave music which helps slow your brainwaves and put you to sleep. Author Resource:- Joe trains 5 times a week at Bally's Gym in Orange County. A long-time fitness enthusiast, he recommends that you buy ephedrine and buy ephedra from Astronutrition.

Aromatherapy Important Oils - An Inheritance Properly Heralded

by Ellen McElroy
The use of crucial oils, which is derived from your pure essence of a plant, isn't new. Although the time period aromatherapy was coined only inside the 1920s (by Gattefoss? in 1928), people knew of aromatherapy vital oils from your prehistoric instances. Beginning through the Chinese to Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Persian and Indian civilizations, each have extra to the science of vital oils and also to aromatherapy like an entire.

Research still continues in the area of aromatherapy important oils, with new developments being created in the subject. Aromatherapy and necessary oils are not limited to cosmetic or aromatic uses only. Quite a few on the necessary oils happen to be proved to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits also. Take lavender oil for instance. French chemist Gattefoss? would happen to be unaware of your properties of lavender oil to give immediate relief without any scar in instances of burn up, till he burnt his hand and by chance put his hand inside the jar full of the essence of lavender. Similarly, there are a significant number of important oils that have medicinal properties. The 'tulsi' plant or Indian basil, unique by means of its powerful aroma and taste, is thought of "the elixir of life" given that it's believed to bring longevity. The use of the plant's extracts is created to deal with sicknesses like headaches, inflammation, coronary heart illness, and malaria. The vital oils derived from 'karpoora tulsi' have discovered use inside the manufacture of herbal toiletry.

Necessary oils are derived from nearly each and every component in the plant. Leaves, stems, flowers, roots, and so on are distilled through steam or water to result into essential oils. Consequently, aromatherapy important oils contain the accurate essence in the plant. In its purest kind, a couple of drops of necessary oil can give the same outcomes that loads of that plant would have provided. This can be for the reason that vital oils are offered in concentrated kind.

Although referred to as oil, crucial oils in aromatherapy do not give that oily feeing. Except for several oils for instance patchouli, orange and lemongrass, most oils are clear and see-through.

Aromatherapy crucial oils must be differentiated from your perfume or fragrance oils. Whilst vital oils include the purest essence in the plant, perfume oils are produced of artificially created substances like a complete or a component of it. Fragrance oils could trigger allergic reactions or other pores and skin reaction since of the use of artificial substances; but the use of crucial oils brings upon no these allergic reaction.

Aromatherapy important oils can be employed by people today possibly by means of inhalation or by applying them on pores and skin inside a diluted type. When crucial oils are inhaled, they enter the bloodstream and lungs directly, therefore generating an on the spot impact to the ailment.

Applying aromatherapy vital oils on the physique is great for absorption. Since necessary oils are offered in a very concentrated kind, they have to be diluted making use of carrier oil. Sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil, etc are blended using the crucial oil; as well as the combination is used on the body or the component that's afflicted.
1 must be incredibly cautious whilst buying an crucial oil. Although easily accessible, people are not nicely equipped to differentiate in between the superior quality and poor quality vital oil. The next checklist may be helpful to all those people who are on their way buying for aromatherapy crucial oils:

. A vendor who permits you to check the essential oil is preferred additional.
. If the bottle containing essential oils has terms including perfume oils, nature similar oils; they are not necessary oils.
. By no means obtain a bottle of necessary oil that seems aged. It may be adulterated or simply could not produce the medicinal benefits.
. A transparent glass bottle of important oils allows mild to come in, thus reducing its aroma therapeutic benefits. Keep away from purchasing essential oils which are marketed in clear glass bottles.
. Crucial oils sold in plastic bottles as well ought to be avoided as it dissolves plastic and becomes contaminated for use.
Author Resource:- For data in relation to essential oils swing byJeffrey Tipmeyster's internet site without delay!

3/25/2011

Learning About Fad Diets

Anna Lewis

High-Fat, Low-Carbohydrate Diets - Millions of Americans have joined the low-carb craze and started high-fat, low-carb diets such as the Atkins Diet, and the Zone Diet. They are made up of about 60% fat, 10% carbohydrate, and 30% protein. These diets say you can eat high amounts of fat and protein while getting very low amounts of carbohydrates in the form of vegetables. The main premise of the low-carb diet is that a diet low in carbohydrates leads to a reduction in the body's production of insulin. The end result is that fat and protein stores will be used for energy. So you stuff yourself full of unlimited amounts of meat, cheese, and butter, and only eat a small portion of carbohydrates.

People who start the diet usually lose a great amount of weight, but it's not permanent weight loss. Instead of burning fat, the lose water and precious muscle tissue. Furthermore, these diets are low in several nutrients and contain excess amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats, substances that increase the risk of heart disease. Plus, regardless of what they claim, the enormous amounts of protein put a strain on your kidneys.

Moderate Fat Diets - Next, there are the moderate fat diets. Moderate fat diets include diets like Weight Watchers, the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, and Jenny Craig. These diets are made up of about 25% fat, 60% carbohydrate, and 15% protein. They encourage the intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and essential fatty acids found in foods like olive oil and salmon. These diets are usually nutritionally balanced if the dieter eats a variety of foods from all categories. For example, Weight Watchers operates on a point system where foods get a number of points based on calorie, fiber, and fat content. Dieters get a specific amount of points they can use for the day. While it's not encouraged, they may choose to spend most of their points on carbohydrates instead of balancing it out. This could lead to deficiencies in nutrients such as calcium, iron, and zinc. However, if followed properly, these diets are probably the most successful for losing weight and keeping it off.

Low and Very Low-Fat Diets - Finally, you have your low-fat and very low-fat diets. Diets in this category include the Dr. Dean Ornish's Diet and the Pritkin Plan, among others. They are made up of about 13% fat, 70% carbohydrates, and 16% protein. These diets are mostly vegetarian diets and don't recommend eating a lot of meat. Like the low-carb diets, you can eat unlimited amounts of certain foods. Because you can't eat a lot of meat, these diets are deficient in zinc, vitamin B12, and essential fatty acids. Also, it is so restrictive that people find a hard time staying on it for life and end up gaining their weight back. Author Resource:- Read about the hCG Diet.

Do You Need To Try A Celebrities Eating Habits

Patricia Coddington

A part of becoming a celebrity, actor, or actress is developing a body fit for any character. This might cause you to contemplate just how the stars in Hollywood workout and eat. People end up obsessed with utilizing the same exercise and diet routine of their favorite celebrity as their personal exercise routine. But, is the diet plan or workout program of your chosen celebrity right for you?

The plans of superstars range vastly from one star to the other. A few stars use entire body training programs, while some exercise a single major muscle group on a daily basis. Some celebrities work out every day for half an hour, while some go to a fitness center for hours per day. Some celebrities eat regular eating plans, limiting carbohydrates and alcohol; others eat during the day and eat many smaller meals.

One thing you won't deny that most of the celebrities that have effectively lost weight and look great have in common and that's dedication! Additionally, it helps that celebrities have money, time, and incentive to have the perfect figure. If you were provided huge amount of money to have a great body in a couple of months, you'd probably determine the way to do it - even if it would mean you needed to get up early, work out all day, or even dramatically restrict your diet plan.

So, what could you find out from a Hollywood workout? Celebrity physical exercises and diets may be able to help you get fit and slim, but they will require diligence and commitment like any other type of exercise program. For you to exercise effectively, however, you cannot just simply follow your favorite star's eating plan or training routine.

Alternatively, slowly incorporate healthy foods into your diet plan and use fat burning activities that you enjoy doing. And go from there! You don't need to imitate your chosen star to get the body that you have always dreamed of! Author Resource:- For more information on celebrities and their eating plans check out this celebrity updates site!

3/19/2011

Djembe Drums for Music Therapy

Ruth Williams

Hand-crafted African djembe drums are beautiful instruments with an attractive sound. Not only that, these drums are useful for therapy and healing. Rhythm is an essential part of the human experience, beginning with the sound of the mum's heartbeat while still in the womb. Drum therapy builds on that sensation to further encourage healing.

Music therapy with djembe drums can be used in many different institutional settings. For instance, school children of all ages enjoy a session of playing rhythm instruments. But the benefit goes beyond simple enjoyment. Making music has been found to be beneficial to a child's intellectual development as well as reducing stress levels, both facts which make drumming useful as therapy for children with disabilities like ADHD, mental retardation, or physical handicaps.

The djembe drum dates back about 700 years, where it was first crafted in the African country of Mali. The craftsman carves the drum from a single length of tree trunk and tops it with an animal skin head. The drum is designed to fit between the legs of the player and be drummed on with the hands. Musicians can learn traditional rhythms or play according to the way they feel.

Drum circles are used for many types of therapy. When used in a group, the sense of community aids the music in creating wellness. Drum circles have been found helpful for stroke victims, cancer sufferers, people trying to break addictions, and other people young and old who are facing challenges. Drums are used with Alzheimer's patients and it's believed that drumming can even help the immune system.

In a drum circle, the lead djembe drummer will usually lay down the rhythm for the circle, with other instruments following his lead. Other instruments used include rattles, shakers, bongo drums, rhythm sticks, and tambourines. Schools often purchase the instruments in classroom kits so that there will be something for everyone to play.

When choosing a djembe drum, it is important to think of the size of the individual who will be playing it. Heights of the drums range from 12 to 28 inches with the diameter of the head increasing proportionately. The drum should rest on the floor or chair when the player is seated. The head of the drum should be located 3 or 4 inches above the lap. Thus, the smallest children should be equipped with the shortest size of djembe drums.

For a great selection of fun childrens musical instruments, visit the Djembe Drum Shop where you can view and buy products online.

Living the Reiki Principles, Just for Today

Diane Poppleton Brown

The Reiki Principles are fundamental to the practice and understanding of Reiki. It shouldn't be forgotten that Reiki was, and still is a powerful tool, not just for healing but also for personal and spiritual growth. Even though Reiki is non-denominational and is to be enjoyed by people of any faith, (or none), to get the most out of your Reiki experience, whether that is by giving or receiving Reiki, you should aim to live by the Reiki Principles. Reiki is a life choice, a spiritual journey in, and of, itself.

There are 5 Reiki Principles which are thought to have originated in the philosophy of the Meiji Emperor of Japan in the 1800's and adopted by Dr Mikao Usui the founding father of Reiki. There are different schools of Reiki but they are all derived from Mikao Usui's initial teachings, and have these principles (or versions that have similar meanings) at their core:

Just for today, do not anger.

Just for today, do not worry.

Just for today, honour you parents, teachers and elders.

Just for today, earn your living honestly.

Just for today, show gratitude to every living thing.

Just for today, do not anger:

We all feel angry sometimes, this principle is about understanding that anger can be transformative. It is not about suppressing anger, that would not only be destructive, but also counter productive, suppressed anger tends to surface again stronger and more powerful than before. Anger often hides other emotions like fear, so recognising what we are angry about is important, maybe we feel trapped, maybe we are afraid for ourselves or others safety, perhaps someone has hurt our feelings etc. Recognising what anger looks like in ourselves and thinking about what the anger means can be the first stage of using your anger positively. Turning our anger from an automatic negative response which we have little or no control over into a calm and deliberate constructive action takes practice and perseverance. It is not going to happen overnight but we can follow the 'just for today' rule and one day at a time change our thoughts and behaviour.

Just for today, do not worry:

Firstly, most of the things we worry about do NOT happen! Secondly, worrying doesn't help. Worrying shows a lack of trust, an assumption that things will not turn out as we had hoped or planned. This is not surprising, from an early age we are taught to compete with each other, and struggle to 'make ends meet' - this fosters a fundamental lack of trust in the world around us. Bizarrely enough, the act of worrying drains our body of the very energy it will need to deal with any trauma, incident or catastrophe. So take appropriate action to reduce your worry, then 'just for today', let it go. Worry is generally fear of repercussions of past events or fear of how things in the future might hurt us, so let go of the past, trust in the Universe to provide for the future and live 'just for today'.

Just for today, honour your parents, teachers and elders:

Kindness and respect for ourselves and others is the starting point for any spiritual journey. Accepting, embracing and learning that each person's path is theirs and theirs alone create's freedom and understanding. As children we are raised to 'look up to', listen, and respect our teachers, parents and / or elders, and sometimes as we grow we forget this simple rule. So 'just for today' listen and remember... it might be surprising what we learn.

Just for today, earn your living honestly:

The world of work is a huge part of our interaction with each other, working with integrity then, is imperative to allow us to be at peace with ourselves. Earning our living honestly can be defined as being honest with our employer and customers, 'an honest day's work for an honest day's pay' is a saying I heard often when growing up. But it can also mean being honest with ourselves about our own path. Is this the right job for me, is this where I want to be? The answers to these questions bare some reflection, but if the answer is 'yes', or even (maybe especially) if it is 'no', today, this is the job we have, so 'just for today', we will give it our all, be positive, and be as good as we can be. When it is time for a change, trust in the Universe to help us to follow our chosen path.

Just for today, show gratitude to every living thing:

In this commercial world that encourages us to want more and more, we often forget to give thanks for what we actually have. Taking the decision to change our life from being obsessed with 'please can I have' to 'thank-you for what I've got' - is a real revelation. An 'attitude of gratitude' is said by some to be essential for happiness, by others it is believed to be the path to all riches. For certain, living this one principle, just for today, goes a long way towards living them all. Life is a blessing, just for today, appreciate it, acknowledge it and say thanks for it.

The key to living the Reiki Principles is the first part of each statement: 'just for today'... today is now. Live responsibly now, yesterday has already gone and tomorrow is still to come, Dr Usui is telling us to live in the present, don't spend all your time looking back or wishing for a future that isn't here yet, embrace the present, and live life revelling in the wonderfulness of today.

If you are drawn to this article, and want to learn more about Reiki, or to book a session, visit http://www.healingtouchreiki.co.uk Welcome to your Reiki Journey.

3/17/2011

Non-Ionizing Radiation

Matthew Eddington

Radiation today has become so mainstream that many do not even realize that there are several different classifications. Non-ionizing radiation is perhaps that most widely used today due to its exceptionally useful nature. Whether you realize it or not, this form of radiation can be found in virtually every home and office around the country. Microwave radiation, infrared radiation, and radio waves are probably the best known forms of non-ionizing radiation that are commonly used today, and can be found in tasks such as telecommunications, heating food, and broadcasting. Most professionals classify non-ionizing radiation into two sources: natural (from sunlight or lightning discharges) and man-made (scientific, medical, and household items).

Simply put, non-ionizing radiation refers (obviously) to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does not have enough energy to ionize molecules. Rather, the molecules only go through the excitation phase, where the radiation is sufficient enough only to increase the motion of the molecule. Ionization refers to the process by which a molecule is converted into an ion by adding or removing electrons.

The sources of non-ionizing radiation (NIR) originate and can be divided into two main areas: optical radiations and electromagnetic fields. Optical radiation is usually found around sources of visible light, characterized by high energy UV radiation and low energy IR radiation. Common sources of UV radiation are the sun, sun lamps, UV lasers, sterilization lamps, and discharge lamps, while sources of IR radiation come from extremely hot processes such and steel and glassmaking. Electromagnetic fields are most commonly seen in the form of microwaves, and can be found in telecommunications, mobile phones, the microwave in your home, and television sets. One of the most important uses of this form used medically is the common diagnostic use of MRI machines.

One of the greatest concerns that arise from discussions of radiation is the biological effects of exposure to the different forms. Since non-ionizing radiation does not ionize but rather only excites atoms, the greatest 'risk' associated with this form is often only a raised temperature of exposed items, since excess energy is often given off as heat. This same principle is used in microwaves to heat up food, and is the greatest example of how biological items are sensitive to heat. However, the amount of radiation that it would take to cause adverse health effects is so large it hasn't ever become a great issue. In fact in many business safety manuals the dangers from non-ionizing radiation falls into the 'acceptable' range.

The most important thing to do in any situation involving radiation is to exercise caution and follow the proper protocols. Through radiation gauges and other forms of radiation detection any risks associated with non-ionizing radiation can be eliminated or severely negated. Professional advice is crucial in any situation involving radiation, so be sure to seek it if you have any questions or concerns.

Many websites provide additional information on the topic of radiation exposure and safety. One such site worth visiting is http://www.apnga.com.

Matthew Eddington independently author's articles for WebDrafter.com, Inc. (http://www.webdrafter.com) for search engine marketing. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those solely of the author, and not of any other person, company, or organization. No guarantee or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, fitness, or use of the content herein.

How to Protect Against Radiation Exposure

Liz T. Jones

What is radiation? The kind of radiation that is used in medical procedures typically consists of x-rays, which are photons emitted from unstable atoms, and gamma rays, used in PET scans. In fact, naturally occurring photons and charged particles are all around all the time and even exist inside the human body. They come from space, from the atmosphere, the water and from the earth itself. One of the most concentrated earthbound sources is uranium. Nuclear medicine simply harnesses this natural phenomenon for use in diagnosis and treatment.

Side Effects
Women who are or may be pregnant or breastfeeding need to be especially careful. Fetuses are more susceptible to damage from radioactivity than adults. The use of an x-ray apron manufactured especially to block harmful radiation can minimize this risk. Males may also experience a lessening of their sperm production if exposed to enough radiation. This reduction could take years to return to normal. High doses could cause this reduction to be permanent. An x-ray apron can reduce this risk when used properly.

Besides fertility risks, radiation can cause cancer. Even though when properly used it can destroy cancer cells in the body, improper exposure can have the opposite effect.

Protective Lead Apron and Vest
The simplest solution in preventing undue exposure from radioactivity to patients, medical personnel and others who work with radioactive materials involves the proper use of lead aprons and vests. The vests can also come equipped with a thyroid collar to protect the thyroid glands in the neck. Since lead is an especially dense material, it can stop most charged particles, depending on the thickness used in the vests and aprons.

Other High-Risk Occupations
Besides medicine, the nuclear power industry, as well as manufacturing and development of isotopes used in nuclear medicine and research, are all areas where workers can be exposed to unacceptable doses of radiation. Uranium miners are at risk from excess exposure since uranium is the source of the radioactive isotopes used in nuclear medicine and nuclear power plants. Again, the proper wearing of an x-ray apron and/or lead vest can reduce to acceptable levels the dosage of radioactivity experienced by the wearer.

Conclusion
X-ray aprons and lead vests are essential tools for people who are exposed to radiation as an occupational hazard, such as nuclear medicine, mining and nuclear power plants in particular. The lead absorbs the harmful particles, therefore preventing harm to its wearer.

Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about lead apron, visit http://www.burmed.com/.

3/10/2011

Lessons Learned on the Healthy Feeding of Your Family

Kathryn Griffin

I went to the grocery store today, determined to be a label sleuth, and bring home healthier food for my family. I have to say, it was a lesson in near-futility. In my quest to limit foods with unpronounceable ingredients and/or high fructose corn syrup, corn or soy as a primary ingredient I made sure to wear my glasses so I could read the fine print. What I learned from this experience is...unless we plan to completely stop eating, there is just no way to entirely cut these things from our diet. I was forced to put a lid on my "all or nothing" mentality, and vow simply to choose items with the least amount of unpronounceable or unhealthy ingredients.

Generic vs. Name Brand?

I did learn something fairly interesting; I was shopping at our local grocery store, and, after comparing labels diligently on peanut butter and mayonnaise, found that the store brand of both items contained substantially less of the "bad" stuff than my old standbys, Jif and Hellman's. Sad, but true. Those particular generics were also significantly cheaper, but I can't give the final thumbs up until I've tasted them. I'm wondering if all the stuff we "shouldn't" be eating is what makes things taste good! Anyhow, I've shifted my expectations a bit, and am now going to simply read labels and try to make the best choices available while edging away from highly processed anything.

Fructose vs. Sucrose

I'm kicking around the idea of making a personal commitment to completely do away with high fructose corn syrup in my own diet for a whole month, but haven't quit waffling about it. I'm sure everybody's seen the commercials (sponsored by the corn industry, of course) where one person says they don't want to eat the popsicle because it contains high fructose corn syrup, and the other one claims it's identical to "real" sugar-this is not strictly the truth. Food and beverage manufacturers began the switch to HFCS in the 1970's after discovering processed fructose was not only cheaper to make, but nearly 20 times cheaper than table sugar. This switch has drastically changed the way Americans eat, and today the number one source of calories in the U.S. is high fructose corn syrup. Half the participants in a study group were given soft drinks containing HFCS showed greatly elevated levels of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Health Concerns

Even though HFCS is chemically similar to table sugar (sucrose) the difference occurs in the way HFCS is processed, causing it to metabolize to fat in your body much more quickly than any other sugar. Because most HFCS is consumed in liquid form, the negative metabolic effects are magnified. High fructose corn syrup has been definitively linked to diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. When you consider the large percentage of America's population who are overweight, you have to wonder if the HFCS products have something to do with that. The more vocal critics of HFCS argue it contributes to weight gain by affecting the normal appetite functions and that it may be a source of mercury, a known neurotoxin, while proponents continue to tout its safety.

The Jury is Still Out

As a further insult, the corn from which HFCS are made is most all genetically modified, which, of course, brings its own set of health concerns. Sodas are the primary source of HFCS; since I'm not much of a soda drinker, that's not a big concession for me, however lots of other products contain this potentially harmful stuff as well. (bread, cereal, breakfast bars, lunch meats, yogurt and soup, to name a few) Consider this quote from Mike Adams, and you, like me, will likely be filled with dismay.

"Diabetes is caused by the consumption of soft drinks, high fructose corn syrup, refined white sugars, refined white flour, processed grains, processed carbohydrates and other processed foods. Subsequently, if you teach people to stop eating these foods, you in essence destroy the diabetes industry. And yes, it is a hugely profitable industry, just like the cancer industry." Mike Adams,The Seven Laws of Nutrition

Kathryn Griffin is a partner in J.T. Liberty Solar and has written extensively on solar as well as environmental and sustainability issues. If you'd like further information on turning your home into a model of self-sufficiency, check out http://www.thesolarpowerinstallers.com. If you are interested in reading about how to survive the coming hard times, take a look at http://www.surviving-hard-times.com.

The Top 10 Foods to Keep You Young

Lynn Maison


The basics of a perfect anti-aging diet would include lots of fresh fruits and veggies, solid amounts of whole grains and fiber, and oily fish 2 to 3 times a week. Cutting back on fat and sugar-laden foods is an important step in keeping you looking and feeling both healthy and young. Besides these basics, though, there are other foods you should be considering to help maximize your anti-aging strategies. Here are the top 10 foods to help keep you young.

Avocado

Although most people think avocado is a vegetable, it's actually a fruit loaded with monounsaturated fats, which the body needs to combat high cholesterol in the bloodstream. Avocados also are a great source of Vitamin E, which helps minimize visible signs of aging, and have tons of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, lessens water retention, and can even help with muscle cramping.

Berries

Any sort of dark berry -- think blueberries, blackberries, or even black grapes -- are loaded with phytochemicals. These flavonoids act as heavy duty antioxidants that help the body fight off free radicals that can cause visible aging on the skin.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, like cabbage, kale, turnips, cauliflower, and radishes help your body vanquish toxins, and have even been shown to minimize the risk of some cancers. You do need to cook these vegetables lightly and for as short a time as possible -- long amounts of cooking or boiling will destroy the healthy enzymes they offer. Try steaming them or eating them raw in a salad for maximum impact.

Garlic

While garlic may or may not help you fight off Dracula, researchers have found that eating just a single clove of garlic daily can help you stave off both heart disease and some cancers. In fact, one study showed that post-menopausal women between 55 and 69 had a whopping 50% less chance of being diagnosed with colon cancer when they added garlic to their daily diets. Studies have also shown that garlic can help maintain or lower cholesterol levels, and can even thin blood more efficiently than a daily dose of low-strength aspirin. Great news for people with a history of heart disease or heart attacks in their family!

Ginger

Ginger has been used for centuries as a digestive aid in many cultures, and can also help relieve arthritic aches and pains. After all, it's hard to feel your anti-aging diet is really working if your bones still creak!

Nuts

Although nuts are high-calorie, high-fat foods, they also contain rich amounts of minerals -- particularly walnuts, which can help provide everything from zinc, potassium, iron, and more to your daily diet. Think of walnuts as nature's supplements, and incorporate them into your diet by sprinkling them on salads or cereals. Nuts can also act as a digestive aid and help shore up your immune system, as well as help lower high cholesterol levels.

Soy

Soy products, especially fermented soy products, are an excellent choice for menopausal or post-menopausal dietary plans, since they maintain a woman's estrogen levels and can ease hot flashes. Soy consumption has also been linked to lower rates of heart disease, Alzheimer's, and even osteoporosis and brittle bone syndrome.

Whole Meal Pasta and Rice

Complex carbs like whole grain pasta and rice help you feel full and stay active throughout the day, as well as deliver solid boosts of fiber and iron to aid your digestive system. Look to add brown rice in particular to your daily routine, since it offers a good amount of B vitamins that can boost energy.

Watermelon

This low-calorie, high-water fruit contains loads of vitamins A, B, and C -- plus the seeds offer minerals like zinc and selenium, which is a known free-radical fighter. Add chunks of watermelon to your smoothies, or mix with feta cheese for a light vegetarian salad.

Water

There's no doubt that a full 8 glasses of water daily will go a long way to maintain your body's health and vitality. Minimize your consumption of sugar and fat-laden drinks, tea, or coffee, and instead reach for low-fat or skim milk, flavored water, or fresh juice as additional liquid replacements. You can also add more H2O to your diet by eating high-water fruits and veggies like cucumbers, melons, lettuce, or tomatoes.

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