Pumpkins And Squash For Healthy Aging

Pumpkins and squash come in various deep orange and yellow colors, and these colors are the secret to their very nutritional value.

Rich in vitamins B and C, pumpkins and squash also contain manganese, which is an antioxidant mineral rich in beta-carotene.  Beta-carotene is the ultimate component of nutrition, and the deeper the color, the more beta-carotene the vegetable contains.  It is important to eye health and also an aid to fighting cancer.  As it regulates insulin in the body, it is helpful for diabetes as well.

The omega-3 fatty acids contained in these vegetables provide anti-inflammatory effects adding to their other virtues.

This autumn take advantage of a wide selection of pumpkins and squash to adorn your dinner plate as well as to decorate the table.

Grandma Nature

Bananas For Healthy Aging

Did you know that there are over 1,000 different varieties of bananas worldwide?  It seems that there are about as many health benefits as well!

Bananas are a powerhouse of vitamins when completely yellow.  As brown spots begin to appear they have more sugar and become sweeter.

Vitamins C and B6 are part of its components as well as the minerals potassium and magnesium.  Potassium is good for the function of the nervous and muscular systems and regulates arterial pressure. B6 is important for the regulation of the nervous and immune systems. Bananas help to regulate the gastro-intestinal system in order to aid digestion.

Why not have a banana for your daytime snack? It is both filling and nutritious and benefits healthy aging and therefor age esteem.

 Grandma Nature

Eggplant For Healthy Aging

Aubergine (eggplant) is a vegetable with many benefits.  High in fiber but low in calories and fat, it contains an antioxidant which is beneficial for the brain. Vitamins B 1 and B6 as well as potassium, manganese, magnesium and copper are components as well.

Eggplant is an anti-cancer, anti-cholesterol vegetable due to substances which fight free radicals in the body.  However, when eaten in great amounts, it can increase joint pains in the body when arthritis is present, or influence gall bladder problems and activate stones due to the high level of oxalates.

On the whole eggplant is a very nutritious and valuable health-promoting food.

An easy way to prepare eggplant and to give them a taste of Provence is to cook slices on the barbeque. Simply slice the eggplant lengthwise into slices. Place them on the barbeque for about five minutes, turning them over once. Put them on a platter and dribble a bit of olive oil over them. It is a tasty way to enjoy healthy eggplant for healthy ageing.

Grandma Nature

Chocolate For Healthy Aging

 Have you heard the expression, “If you are feeling down or stressed, have a piece of chocolate”?

Chocolate has multiple qualities.

• Anandamide, which stimulates blissful feelings, is in chocolate.
• Chocolate contains a good quantity of magnesium, which gives energy.
• Rich in antioxidants as well chocolate protects the body against the aging of cells.
• B vitamins, associated with brain health, are also found in chocolate.

Dark chocolate is best as it is lowest in sugar, while white chocolate is to be avoided as it contains mostly sugar and coco butter.

Grandma Nature

Tips To Avoid Intestinal Gas

In certain instances gas is produced during the digestive process. This can lead to bloating and flatulence.

Some foods that aid in intestinal gas accumulation are rice, wheat, oat and corn cereals, raw vegetables, fruit, cabbage, dried beans, onions, and white bread to list a few.

Here are six good habits to adopt for healthy aging in order to prevent or aid this problem: 
1.    Eat several small meals with less fat and smaller portions, and chew food well. 
2.    Avoid carbonated drinks. 
3.    Walk for 15 minutes after having eaten a meal.
4.    Drink herbal teas. 
5.    Avoid stress, which is a key to bloating. The digestive system is connected to the nervous system and thus affects how food is processed in the body.

Since we often find ourselves eating alone as we get older, let me also add an Age Esteem tip. Take time to enjoy your meal. Even if you are eating alone, sit down to eat at a table you have set with attention. Use your good china and a colorful napkin. And why not add a candle or flowers? After all, you are worth the extra effort. – And it will ease your digestion.

Grandma Nature

Garlic For Healthy Aging

Garlic, often called a miracle food, is not always to everyone's liking. –  But it is very healthy for you as you age. 

Garlic reduces the development of tumors, reduces breast cancer side effects, surpasses penicillin in the combat against 8 types of bacteria and protects people who have had a heart attack from having a second one.  Furthermore, garlic contains over 200 vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron and zinc.

Unbelievably, it seems to work wonders on every human medical condition such as reducing cholesterol, appeasing teeth and ear aches, and curing flu and its symptoms.

An Age Esteem tip to take away the strong taste and smell of the garlic: Just take out the green bulb in the middle of each clove. 

Add garlic to your meat roasts, vegetable platters and soups. Food will taste delicious when prepared with garlic! – And it will help you age healthfully.

Grandma Nature