Healthy Food Choices For Rediscovering Youth
by Mable Cheung
 

In our fast-paced society the importance of healthy eating habits seem to be lost. We live to eat, relying mainly on our senses of taste and sight to make food choices; instead, we should be eating to live. Hectic lifestyles dictate diet now more than ever, making fast-food habitual eating. With the increasing number of fads and controversial diets, even more confusion is placed on society about healthy diets. The inevitable results take a toll on our bodies, internally as well as externally. According to the ancient Chinese, maintaining youthfulness is achieved simply with smart dietary choices leading to good health. A core philosophy and practice of the Chinese people, nutrition plays two major roles; first as a healing system on its own and second as a prevention system.

Our bodies are amazingly powerful and self-sufficient machines, with the ability to heal and repair itself making anti-aging a possibility. In decreasing order of complexity the body consists of organ systems, organs, tissue and finally cells. It can be said that the functionality of each higher system is dependent on the previous. Therefore, the liver is dependent on its tissue made up of hepatic cells. At the lowest level, cells remain functional by utilizing food and nutrition to stay strong. Within various cycles, cells die off and replace themselves, thus offering three options: (1) the cell may replace itself with a weaker cell each and every time if poor nutritional habits fail to provide proper energy; (2) the cell replaces itself with one of the same strength, which shows that the body hasn’t made any improvements or (3) the cell is replaced by a stronger cell due to an abundance of energy and raw materials.

A well-balanced anti-aging diet stresses fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins. However, increased intake of antioxidants tops the list for maintaining the fountain of youth. Studies have shown that foods which are rich in antioxidant content are quite possibly the key to anti-aging. These foods help not only to keep the skin firm by protecting its collagen and elastin tissue from free radical damage, but also act as damage protection to all cells found within our bodies.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are without a doubt the essence of the fountain of youth. With the abundance of longevity-enhancing compounds of antioxidants, they are also rich in other beneficial nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, beta carotene, folic acid and vitamins C and E. The best fruit and vegetable choices are: berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries), plums, oranges, red grapes, cherries, pineapples, mangoes, kale, spinach, red bell peppers, avocado, broccoli, leafy greens, eggplant, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots and soy beans.

Fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids help reduce your chances of heart-disease by lowering cholesterol levels. They also stimulate the immune system, improve brain function and even help to alleviate symptoms associated with depression, arthritis, stroke and skin disorders. Best fish choices: salmon, tuna and anchovies. Recent research indicates wild-caught fish have fewer toxins than farm-raised making it a healthier choice.

Whole grains are the foundation of good nutrition and form the base of the food guide pyramid. Along with fiber, vitamins B and E, magnesium and iron, grains are packed with numerous disease-fighting phytochemicals and antioxidants. Studies have shown that individuals who include grains into their regular diet have a lower body mass index, lower cholesterol levels and lower waist-to-hip rations. These individuals also reduce their risk of heart disease by 36 percent, stroke by 37 percent, type II diabetes by 27 percent and cancer by 40 percent. Best grain choices: brown rice, buckwheat, whole oats and barley.

Don’t forget to include “fats” into your diet. Society often misunderstands the need of “fat” for a healthy balanced diet. The problem isn’t with fat itself, but with the type of fat which we consume. Monounsaturated fats are considered to be the healthiest type of general fats. Consumption of these oils is linked to lower cholesterol levels and assists in reducing the risk of heart disease. Typically high in vitamin E, these oils also provide the essential fatty acids for the development of healthy skin and body cells as well as protection against certain cancers – like breast and colon. Best choices for fats: extra virgin olive oil (preferably cold pressed), flax seed oil, nut (almond, hazelnut, walnut and macadamia) oil and seed (sesame and sunflower) oil. Seeds and nuts also provide healthy fats to your diet; make sure to include some almonds, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.

Imbalances found within one’s diet can often be pinpointed as the cause of many health problems – balance is the most important aspect of Chinese medical theories. Say no to processed and/or fried foods, white flour, white or refined sugar, cream, foods high in saturated fats, caffeine (coffee, chocolate, pop), nicotine, alcohol, artificial colorings, MSG, margarine, butter and vegetable oils. Food fads and extreme diets of any sort are completely opposing to Chinese dietary beliefs. There is no bias towards a purely vegetarian diet, nor is it recommended to sit down and consume large portions of meat. Moderation and variation within one’s diet is the key to health and longevity. Remember to “eat a rainbow,” add lots of color to your meals and accompany it with spring water or tea. It is suggested to eat small amounts of protein combined with generous amounts of vegetables and grains.

Food is fuel for our bodies. With healthy eating habits and smart food choices, you’ll see that anti-aging is possible.

Dr. Mable Cheung is a Cosmetic, Cellulite & Medical Acupuncturist in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. As a third-generation Chinese Medical Practitioner, she truly believes in the ways of Traditional Chinese Medicine for optimal healthy and wellness. For more information, visit www.cheungstrading.com or contact her at (519) 252.9228.