Cherries For Healthy Aging

Cherry season is a healthy season for us as we age. Sweet and sour cherries are very beneficial for good health.

Sour cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and are rich in antioxidants.  One study has found that reduction in pain from arthritis is a positive effect of sour cherries on the body.

Sweet cherries are rich in vitamin C.  They lower the level of urates in the blood, thus reducing the risk of gout.  Cherries maintain their health benefits after being cooked as well.

Foods such as cherries are also beneficial for our age-esteem. When we pick cherries we exercise many muscles as we stretch and bend. If we share the cherry picking or eating with others it creates a valuable social experience. And why not tap into your creative juices to make something new with the cherries? All of these ideas, added to the healthy benefits to your body, will also enhance your age-esteem.

Grandma Nature

Carrots For Healthy Aging

 The orange substance in carrots is beta-carotene.  Beta-carotene contains lutein and lycopene. Both substances are very important for general good eyesight and night vision.  Beta-carotene is also thought to reduce some cancers.

Some nutrients disappear and the color becomes less bright as soon as the carrots are picked. This indicates the loss of some of the healthy nutrients in the vegetable.

To get the greatest benefit:

• Eat carrots soon after they are picked;
• Purchase carrots in small quantities; and
• Replace carrots often so they will be fresher.

Carrots provide an easy snack. Eat them often to benefit from the beta-carotene they provide.

Grandma Nature

Avocados For Healthy Aging

 An avocado a day can be very helpful for your heart health.

Avocados contain high levels of vitamin E, iron and potassium. Even though they are high in fat, it is the good fat, which controls cholesterol levels and is important to heart health.

In addition avocado contains as a substance that, when it is eaten in the evening, helps to improve sleep and relaxation.

Add avocado to your salads, eat it directly out of its skin, or enjoy it in guacamole. There are many ways to add avocado to your diet for healthy aging.

 Grandma Nature

Lettuce For Healthy Aging

 Lettuce is loaded with nutrients. There are many different varieties of lettuce and they are all rich in vitamins A, C and K, and in dietary fibers.  Minerals, especially iron, are also found in lettuce.

It seems that the romaine or cos salad, as it is called, has the highest level of nutrients among the green leaf lettuces.  However, the mixture of green and red small leaf salad found today is the most valuable because of the phytonutrients – the mixture of colors. The darker the leaves the richer the lettuce is in nutrients.

To enhance the nutritional value use olive oil in the dressing.

Grandma Nature

Beetroots for Healthy Aging

 Beetroots were used initially to treat liver conditions. They contain a substance, which detoxifies the colon.  Beetroots are thought to aid in eliminating some cancers.  Containing an amino acid, which keeps the intestines healthy, when roasted beetroots still maintain health benefits.

One delicious way to eat them is to cut them up into little cubes and add them to your salad.

Grandma Nature

Broccoli For Healthy Aging

Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable for the body.  It contains vitamins A, B and C, which boost the body’s antioxidant level. This is especially essential as one ages in order to balance the chemicals in the body.  An imbalance of them can cause heart disease or even some cancers.  Broccoli is packed with iron and contains lots of fiber.

Grandma Nature

Daylight Saving Time For Healthy Aging

This is the season when we spring our clocks forward for daylight saving.

Daylight saving time has been proven to be healthier for children and adolescents than standard time. As the days are longer they are outdoors for a longer period of time thus getting more sun and exercise by being more active playing or doing sports. This has a positive effect on obesity and on general wellbeing.

The same can be said for older folks who work in the garden for longer periods, for example, or who may go out more often during the summer evenings thus keeping more active, which is good for healthy aging. So take advantage of the extra daylight to exercise and move.

Grandma Nature

Healthy Fats For Healthy Aging

Avocado is a good source of healthy fat and can be heated to a high degree.

Attention must be made as to which fats can be cooked on high heat. Non-virgin olive oil is one. In addition to olive oil, now a known heart-oil, there are others, which are as beneficial such as walnut oil, sesame oil, grape seed oil and pumpkin seed oil.

With such diverse taste in all of them, choosing which oil on which food is a personal choice.

Grandma Nature

Check Expiration Dates For Healthy Aging

Check the expiration dates on packages like pancakes and cake mixes that have yeast which over time develop spores.

Apparently, the mold that forms in old mixes can be toxic! Throw away ALL OUTDATED pancake mixes, brownie mixes, Bisquick, cake and cookie mixes, etc., you have in your home. If consumed when outdated, it could be fatal.

Grandma Nature

A Healthy Liver For Healthy Aging

It has been said that the liver is a “life-saver and a waste basket”.  It is the organ that stocks all the toxins that are eaten or consumed – alcohol, cigarettes, pesticides, coffee, excess fat and even stress, anger and sadness.

When the liver is overstocked, there is weight gain, feeling of fatigue, increase in cholesterol and even drab looking skin.

To aid the liver in eliminating the toxins, there is nothing easier.  Eat and drink a lot of vitamins and minerals found in fruit juices and raw vegetables.

Grandma Nature