Getting Wrinkles?

Extra wrinkles etched in your face signal that your body’s not handling oxidative stress so well. Consider it this way… when you cut a fresh apple on a plate and leave it on your table, you'll notice it shrivels and turns brown. That’s oxidation. When oxidation takes place in your body – as it does every day, it can damage your cells and organs. And, if you experience an oxidant hit, protective mechanisms don’t function as well... Then, how do you keep wrinkles at a minimum?

Antioxidants A diet rich in antioxidants revs up your body’s natural defense system. Antioxidants neutralize unstable molecules, otherwise known as free radicals, that can damage cells. Antioxidants mend cell damage linked to neurodegenerative conditions. Research results published in Neurology, show that men and women over 65 who ate more than two servings of vegetables daily showed 40 percent less mental decline on cognitive tests than participants who reported eating few or no veggies. I don't know about you, but I say, "Pass the veggies, please." There's more to this...

A Mayo Clinic Health Letter reveals that folks who eat antioxidant-rich foods reap health benefits. Here's why:

Foods, rather than supplements, may boost antioxidant levels because foods contain an unmatchable array of antioxidant substances. A supplement may contain a single type of antioxidant or even several. However, foods contain thousands of types of antioxidants, and it’s not known which of these substances confer the benefits.

Some of the better food sources of antioxidants are:

• Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and cranberries
• Beans: Small red beans and kidney, pinto and black beans
• Fruits: Many apple varieties (with peels), avocados, cherries, green and red pears, fresh or dried plums, pineapple, oranges, and kiwi
• Vegetables: Artichokes, spinach, red cabbage, red and white potatoes (with peels), sweet potatoes and broccoli
• Beverages: Green tea, coffee, red wine and many fruit juices
• Nuts: Walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds
• Herbs: Ground cloves, cinnamon or ginger, dried oregano leaf and turmeric powder
• Grains: Oat-based products
• Dessert: Dark chocolate

Who would guess eating the right foods enhances your looks as you age? How about you... ready to pack in more antioxidants to add more brain than face wrinkles? I know I am!