AGING IS A CHOICE Part 32 – Choosing Healthy Foods and Supplements
by Robert Manni
We all want to live a long life. Wait. Let me rephrase that. We all want to live a long, healthy life. Otherwise, we would have longevity but our quality of life may not be so good. Why do I bring this up? Right now, over 90% of people over fifty suffer from at least one chronic disease and over 80% are afflicted with more than one condition. Why? Experts attribute diet as being one of the core reasons for developing aged-related health issues.
Which seems to indicate the old adage is true. We are what we eat.
Here’s more sobering news: our diets have increasingly become highly processed versions of what we grew up eating. That’s because most foods now have chemical additives such as flavor enhancers and preservatives. Check the ingredients on a package of anything purchased in the supermarket aisles and you’ll see what I mean. They read more like they came from a lab than a farm.
Since it’s almost impossible to avoid GMO and processed foods altogether, especially when dining out, what can we do?
We can choose to add natural foods and supplements to our diet that support healthy aging. Here are a few of my favorites to strengthen immunity, reduce inflammation, and increase antioxidants to counteract all the other stuff I can’t seem to avoid eating.
Cod Liver Oil
Often overlooked, Cod liver oil is a powerhouse supplement, especially for seniors. It helps maintain healthy bones, joints, eyes, heart, brain, blood pressure, mood, and immune functions. That means it’s good for everyone! Cod liver oil also contain omega-3, vitamin D and A. As with any supplement, do your research. Choose the highest grade versions without the artificial colors, additives that have been purity tested for heavy metals.
Matcha
Matcha is a powdered tea made from finely ground green tea leaves. It offers a plethora of potential health benefits for weight management, antioxidant intake, detoxification, lowering blood sugar, and protecting your skin health. Matcha is also chock full of L-theanine (an amino acid that reduces stress) and chlorophyll (a natural detoxifier). So, if you want to give Matcha a try, I recommend getting an organic brand to avoid concerns of high pesticide levels in tea.
Collagen
Collagen plays a critical role in maintaining the structure and function of connective tissues in the body. Benefits include bone and joint health, protecting cardiovascular function, hair and nail growth, gut health, improved metabolism, and even building muscle mass. As we age, we naturally lose the amount of collagen in our bodies. If you want to supplement with collagen, look for hydrolyzed collagen and take with vitamin C for the best results.
Manuka Honey
Honey is a natural, healthy product, but Manuka honey resides at another level. Manuka honey is a unique type of honey produced in New Zealand containing a compound called (MGO-methylglyoxal) which has potent antibacterial properties. Other potential benefits of manuka honey include immune support, wound healing, digestive health, antioxidant properties, oral health, and a reduction of inflammation. Due to its rarity, Manuka honey is relatively expensive. It comes in various efficacy grades anywhere between 200 to 1000bioactive MGO. Grades of over 600 MGO is considered medical grade and highly effective, but be aware, it also gets quite pricey.
Making the right choices in food and supplements becomes critical as we age. the good news is that now there are more ways to protect your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Do your research and choose wisely. After all, aging is a choice.
