Anna asks: is there a fountain of youth through foods? Please say yes.

Okay, there are a million anti-aging products, but as you two have taught me, it all starts on the INSIDE! What can I eat/take to help with aging? Why didn't God create a botox plant?!

Ah, this is a GOOD one. Why? Because people (mainly us women) spend a lot of dough trying to look our best. Sure, some of these lotions and potions work wonders, but  here's the bottom line: if you are not feeding your body what it needs, if you are taxing it day after day with chronic stress, alcohol, cigarettes and other toxins, and if you find yourself constantly putting yourself last, well the truth is it's going to show. On your face...and not to mention other places.

Have you heard of the term free radicals? Don't be fooled by the name, they're not radical. Free radicals are essentially uncharged molecules that are highly reactive.They have a cascade effect in our body - they damage living cells. Normally the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants (found in living, nourishing foods) are not present, or if there's an excessive amount, oxidative stress will occur. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress by donating one of their electrons, they act as scavengers. Interested in this topic? Check out the free-radical theory of aging. So what do we eat?  Well let's start off with talking about what not to eat: processed, rancid and over-heated oils, food preservatives and of course sugar. Sugar is the simply the worst when it comes to aging. It causes inflammation, and leads to skin glycation - a process that is similar to burnt toast. Do you want to look like burnt toast? Sugar speeds the formation of AGE's (advanced glycation end products), which stimulate enzymes in the skin that eat collage and skin tissues - directly contributing to wrinkles, sagging and uneven skin tone. Yikes

LEAFY GREENS

The fountain of youth ingredient? Fat soluble Vitamin K. The smartest source? Vegetables, in particular, dark leafy greens, like spinach and kale. Antioxidants found in greens are known to fight against negative effects of UV exposure. Additionally they are an incredibly dense source of minerals, which will keep your skin bright, your hair strong and your metabolism running smoothly.

BERRIES, BEETS AND CABBAGE

Whats's so great about these guys? These are your blue and purple foods, and what gives them that color is the flavonoids: anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. What do they do? Well, aside from quite literally supporting your neurological health (memory? yes please), they are known for boosting collagen levels and for their high level of Vitamin C, one of skin's very best friends.

CHOCOLATE

You already love me huh? Cocoa beans have a higher antioxidant capacity than any other food. Dark Chocolate has been known to protect the skin against harmful effects of UV exposure and increase circulation and retain moisture in the skin - both which can reduce appearance of wrinkles. This does not mean you should go buy a Hershey's Dark. This means you should buy some good quality, preferably organic, dark chocolate with a 70% or higher cocoa content. Just a little goes a long way.

AVOCADO

Another delicious option, you're very welcome. Packed with vitamin E, potassium, healthy fats and antioxidants, avocados are known for improving skin and hair health, not to mention lowering blood pressure. Additional bonus? They're high in folic acid (B vitamin) which will reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart attacks - leaving you at peace, immediately making you more attractive. 

BEANS

You know the song, right? Well, aside from that lovely side effect some may experience - the reality is beans are packed with vitamins, minerals and perhaps most importantly - fiber. Fiber helps you eliminate. The more healthy eliminations you have, the clearer your skin and eyes will look and feel. Gotta eliminate to rid toxins. 

FISH

The Omega-3 fatty acids you hear about so often these days? Found most densely in fish. Not only is it extremely protective of your heart, but it also lowers overall inflammation - and inflammation is exactly what we want to do without when it comes to aging. Try to eat it cold water, wild fish two times per week.

So really, this is all pretty good news. You just have to eat (colorful, living foods) to prevent aging. I'm okay with that, are you? Want more good news?  Thought so.  Our 2nd round of New Year New Rules it loaded with anti-aging rich foods & recipes.  After you read this you won't even have to go digging for what to cook to support your new found love of flavanoids - we've got ya!  Grab your seat TODAY.  Make it about you, it's time.