Passion Fruit For Healthy Aging

There is passion in fruit!  Yes, passion fruit, the tropical marvel wrapped in sun, is beneficial in many ways.

In addition to antioxidants, passion fruit is full of vitamins and minerals.  It is recommended to people suffering from high blood pressure or asthma. Full of fiber, it is efficient in eliminating fat, thus cleaning out the intestines.

Just cut the fruit in half and scoop out the pulp for a delicious snack.

Grandma Nature

Dried Fruits For Healthy Aging

Even though dried fruits are a wonderful source of energy rich in glucids, they are also full of minerals, antioxidants, omega-3 and vitamin B.

Potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron are found in dried apricots, prunes, raisins and figs and some nuts. Walnuts are a wonderful source of omega-3, which is so important for heart health.  Apricots, raisins and prunes are rich in antioxidants.

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Apricots For Healthy Aging

Apricots are loaded with vitamins A, B3, B5, C, and K. Beta carotene, so necessary for control of cataracts and macular degeneration, is also a component of this versatile little fruit. Minerals found in apricots are copper, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous.

Used to make tarts and jams, they are also delicious when eaten raw. When fresh apricots are not in season, dried apricots provide a powerhouse of healthy ingredients.

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Salt For Healthy Aging 

Too much salt is not good and is found in many processed foods. However, with transpiration salt is eliminated from the body along with other minerals.

Too little salt in your diet is also not good.  Side effects occur such as weakness and vomiting if there is too little salt in the body.  New studies are showing that a salt free diet is not healthy for us.  Too little salt can negatively affect our bones and memory.

A diet that is well balanced, which includes vegetables, fruits and salads with a normal amount of salt is a good step toward enjoying good health at every age.

Grandma Nature

Cruciferous Vegetables For Healthy Aging

What are cruciferous vegetables?  Well, actually, there are many.  Broccoli, cauliflower, red and green cabbage, radishes, watercress, Brussels sprouts and turnips are all cruciferous vegetables.

What is so special about them?  They are potent vegetables in what they do for your body and for your health at all ages.

Individually, they have their own valuable substances, but as a group they are full of minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C in many.  The good news is that because of certain components in these vegetables, when broken down, they are very successful in reducing the risk of various cancers such as lung, breast, prostate and pancreatic.

In cuisine there is so much that can be done with cruciferous vegetables.  Used in salads, or added to other dishes like casseroles, as well as eating them cooked on their own, they will provide colorful, healthy meals.

The value that they bring to your body as you age is immeasurable.

Grandma Nature

What came first – the chicken or the egg?  This question can be debated again and again but one thing is for certain.

According to the most recent research, eggs are very good for you.  Yes, eggs are healthy for you and more can be eaten than previously recommended as they are not linked to bad cholesterol.   There is no danger for most people to eat even two per day, according to one study, but even three or four per week would be beneficial.  This amount will not increase cholesterol levels or the risk of heart disease.

It is shown in several studies that eggs protect against the health risks which come with aging.

Eggs are rich in vitamin D, so needed for strong bones.  Two other substances, lutein and zeaxanthin, are found in them which help prevent macular degeneration and loss of eyesight as one ages, and control the development of cataracts.

Being very rich in protein with few calories, eggs are a valuable substitute for meat.  Memory is enhanced by eating eggs as well.  Finally, when you do eat eggs, you will feel full and thus eat less and thus lose weight!  Of course, they are beneficial when incorporated with other ingredients as well such as quiches or soufflés.

So, have eggs on hand all the time.  Eat eggs for healthy aging!

Grandma Nature

Watercress, what a lovely name. – And it does grow in water, being semi-aquatic.  Since modern medicine has existed, watercress has been considered a miracle vegetable as it is an aid in preventing and healing a number of conditions.

Watercress is a green salad type vegetable which can be used in various ways according to your taste and ingenuity. For example use it in sandwiches or mixed with other salads, or even on its own with a delicious vinaigrette. It has a peppery taste.

Calcium, iron and folic acid are important minerals found in watercress, and it is a potent antioxidant which is believed to help in controlling cancer cells.  It purifies the blood and kidneys. It eliminates metals from the body.  It is considered a powerhouse of good things for you with its minerals, vitamins and heart-preserving properties. It helps in reducing water retention which plays an important role in controlling cardio-vascular illnesses.

In addition it is loaded with the phytonutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent aging related changes in the eyes.  The amount of vitamin C is greater in watercress than in oranges and the iron content is higher than in spinach.  Rashes, eczema and other skin conditions are treated with substances containing watercress such as creams to be rubbed on the rash.

The moral to this story? – Always have some watercress within reach!

Grandma Nature

A cucumber sandwich might make one think of England; or is it the other way around? –  England makes one think of a cucumber sandwich?  The Ritz in London among other fine English hotels is famous for its high tea.   Sometimes reservations have to be made two months in advance.  In any case, it is certain that the cucumber sandwich, thinly sliced cucumbers in between very fine slices of buttered bread with the crusts removed, is a landmark of English food.

The elongated green vegetable is a powerhouse of valuable components.  It belongs to the same family as the  zucchini  and melon.  When choosing a cucumber look for a firm, shiny one with a smooth skin.

The skin is valuable in facilitating digestion.  Vitamins A, B, and C are substances found in this tasty vegetable as well as Vitamin E which helps to slow down the aging process in the body. In beauty products cucumber is a known component in facial remedies for rendering the skin smooth and shiny.

Cucumbers are, of course, eaten raw in salads and sandwiches but can also be sauteed for a lovely accompaniment to a meal.  So, especially in summer when they are fresh and in season, stock up on fresh cucumbers and benefit your health.

Grandma Nature

Is it a fruit or a vegetable?  Actually, the pear-shaped avocado is a green tropical fruit.

However, it is not sweet but full of fat – good fat. That is why it is so valuable in preventing cardio-vascular disease; it benefits arteries and lowers cholesterol.  A powerful antioxidant, glutathione, which is an important source found in the avocado, is shown to block the onset of many carcinogens. And the avocado is rich in vitamins E and B as well as potassium, magnesium and amino acids.

Avocado is used in face creams and bath products because it renders the skin soft and smooth.

On the culinary side, it is adaptable to salads, as a dip, or as a dessert when sugar is an ingredient in the recipe.

Tip: If prepared in advance for a dip and it may become brown. Keep the pit in the avocado, and it should remain green.  Lemon or lime juice will also help.

Grandma Nature

Water is vital to feeling good about ourselves at every age.  And a good level of hydration is essential to our overall health.  Water

• Is basic to our level of energy.
• Keeps your skin hydrated and resilient.
• Lubricates your digestive system and flushes out toxins.
• Speeds metabolism so you burn calories more rapidly.
• Promotes growth of collagen, increase elastin and increase flow of oxygen to upper skin layer.

It’s very important, especially as one ages, to drink a lot of water.  This isn’t surprising when you realize that over half of our body is water.  Replenish your body with eight glasses a day, drunk at regular intervals.

It is the fashion to drink mineral water but we should be careful not to drink the same mineral water all of the time. One might be high in calcium which can cause kidney stones; another with high sodium can give high blood pressure, etc. So if you are drinking mineral water, alternate the brands.  Even better, drink fresh water from the tap if you can.

Grandma Nature