In your effort to consume food and nutrients that will reduce the effects of aging, you need to remember two things. As well as choosing foods that can help to delay the aging process, you should also try to avoid foods that can actually accelerate age-related damage to the body.

Sugar

There is no escaping the fact that sugar is one of the key nutrients that cause aging. Molecules of glucose react with the proteins in our bodies and with our DNA during a process called glycosylation. The result of this dangerous liaison is the destruction of our valuable genetic material and our body constituents.

Stress causes an increase in the amount of sugar in our blood and this is one of the reasons why excessive stress is bad for us. Too much sugar in the blood causes an increase of insulin which, again, is harmful in the long term, because insulin increases the levels of "bad" fats in the blood.

So, one of the first major steps you need to take in your fight against aging is to shun sugar, completely if possible. Also avoid eating too many simple carbohydrates such as flour, white bread, pitta bread and white rice (although strangely, brown rice is an ideal anti-aging food).

Sugar and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, are the worst culprits when it comes to foods that age the body, so try to avoid them whenever possible.

Good And Bad Fats

Cholesterol comes in two forms: HDL, the "good" form, and LDL, the "bad" form. Ideally, you need to concentrate your efforts on consuming foods that will reduce levels of LDL, such as olive oil, rapeseed oil, avocados and nuts. CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is a "good" fat found in sunflower oil, safflower oil, milk and lean red meat, that is thought to lower levels of cholesterol. Avoid foods that have the effect of raising LDL, such as processed foods, crisps, biscuits or too many dairy products.

Being overweight is a proven minus point for those who want to defy aging. Fortunately, another benefit of CLA is that it may help to dissolve fat, and allow it to be used by the muscles for boosting energy.

Homocysteine

This harmful amino acid is the latest buzzword from the world of heart disease prevention. Homocysteine is thought to cause havoc in our body, increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and many other problems that can be age-related. In order to reduce its production, choose foods high in vitamin B12, including liver and oily fish such as trout and salmon, and high in folate, found in green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts.

Foods and Supplements that can Worsen Age-Related Problems

• Gout is made worse by eating too much protein, drinking too much alcohol and by being overweight.
• Indigestion is caused by fatty, fried food, tea, coffee and alcohol.
• High blood pressure may worsen with excessive intake of salt, eating too much fatty food and overeating in general.
• Migraines can sometimes be made worse by eating certain foods, such as cheese, chocolate, nuts and many others.
• Aging can also be accelerated by taking extra iron supplements, as iron speeds up the production of free radicals. It is best taken only in food form, for example red meat. Take iron supplements only if your doctor advises you to do so.
By: Gladys K