6 superfoods for age-defying beauty:
- Goji Berries
Goji berries, Hollywood’s hottest new food, are one of the most nutritionally
dense foods on earth and house a staggering concentration of vitamins,
minerals, amino acids, phytochemicals and essential fatty acids. With such
an awesome constitution it is not surprising they are reputed anti-aging
marvels.
Originating in Tibet and greatly favored in traditional medicine these dried
berries have many noted health benefits including boosting immunity,
lowering cholesterol, enhancing vision, fighting cancer cells, relieving
depression and aiding weight loss.
Goji berries contain 500 times more vitamin C than oranges by weight and
more beta-carotene than carrots making them a superb source of vitamin A.
Together with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, these berries are ideal for
any anti-aging and beauty regime.
They also contain polysaccharides, one of which has been found to stimulate
the secretion of the rejuvenating human growth hormone by the pituitary
gland, as well as B vitamins, 21 minerals and 18 amino acids.
The most well documented case of longevity is that of Li Qing Yuen, who
lived to the age of 252. Born in 1678, he is said to have married 14 times
with 11 generations of posterity before his death in 1930. Li Qing Yuen
reportedly consumed goji berries daily.
A study cited in Dr. Mindell’s book ‘Goji: The Himalayan Health Secret’,
observed that 67 per cent of elderly people that were given a daily dose of the berries for 3 weeks experienced dramatic immune system enhancement
and a significant improvement in spirit and optimism. - Aloe Vera
Forget Botox, Aloe Vera increases collagen production 100% naturally for a
youthful, wrinkle-free complexion and plump, beautiful skin. The ultimate
Botox alternative!
The inner gel of the Aloe versa leaf contains around 200 active compounds
with over 75 nutrients. These include 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12
vitamins (even vitamin B12 – one of the very few plant sources of this
vitamin).
Aloe Vera also has anti-microbial properties fighting fungi and bacteria and
houses anti-inflammatory plant steroids and enzymes. Aloe Vera is known to
aid digestion and elimination, boost the immune system, and be highly
effective at healing, moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin, naturally
stimulating the production of collagen.
Aloe Vera is best eaten fresh when possible (you can order large Aloe Vera
leaves which last a few weeks refrigerated). Scrape out the inside gel,
avoiding the outside of the leaf which is a strong laxative, and blend with
fruit for the ultimate beautifying smoothie. Aloe Vera has a mild flavor
though a slight bitter edge, hence is best combined with fruit. - Avocados
Avocados are smoothing and softening for the skin and easily absorbed;
compared with almond, corn, olive, and soybean oils, avocado oil has the
highest skin penetration rate.
Avocado also contains vitamin E (excellent for the skin), antioxidant
carotenoids and the master antioxidant glutathione that is exceptionally
powerful and has anti-carcinogenic potential. High levels of glutathione are
found in the liver where the elimination of toxic materials takes place.
Glutathione is effective against pollutants such as cigarette smoke and
exhaust fumes as well as ultra-violet radiation. Research is currently
exploring the potential benefits of glutathione for numerous conditionsincluding cancer, heart disease, memory loss, arthritis, Parkinson's disease,
eczema, liver disorders, heavy metal poisoning and AIDS. - Chlorella
The nucleic acids RNA and DNA in Chlorella (one of the highest known
sources of such) direct cellular growth and repair and enable our bodies to
utilize nutrients more effectively, eliminate toxins and avoid disease.
The production of nucleic acids in the body declines progressively as we age,
which is no doubt why their intake is recommended by Dr. Benjamin Frank
in ‘The No-Aging Diet’.
Paul Pitchford in ‘Healing with Whole Foods’ writes that ‘insufficient nucleic
acid causes premature aging as well as weakened immunity’, Research at
the Medical College of Kanazawa in Japan found that mice that were fed
chlorella had a 30 per cent increase in life span. Replenishing RNA and DNA
can be key to overall health, immunity and longevity.
In addition to nucleic acids, chlorella is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals,
antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, making it an incredibly rejuvenating
and health-promoting superfood. Spirulina is a virtuous equivalent. - Bee pollen
When it comes to young and beautiful skin, bee pollen has outstanding gifts.
Swedish dermatologist Dr. Lars-Erik Essen uses bee pollen to successfully
treat acne and other skin conditions and observes it’s beautifying and anti-
aging effects.
He reports that bee pollen ‘seems to prevent premature aging of the cells
and stimulates growth of new skin tissue. It offers effective protection
against dehydration and injects new life into dry cells. It smoothest away
wrinkles and stimulates a life-giving blood supply to all skin cells.’
He believes it’s skin rejuvenation properties are due to its high concentration
of nucleic acids RNA and DNA, as well as its natural antibiotic action. Bee
pollen has a host of other health-promoting benefits that include fighting
infections, lowering cholesterol, strengthening the blood, Boosting the
immune system, increasing physical strength and stamina, aiding longevity and enhancing libido! It has been called a 'prefect food' because it is so
nutritionally complete. - Coconut oil
Coconut oil speeds up your metabolism and can actually help you loose
weight. It is also incredibly beautifying and moisturizing for the skin and has
antioxidant properties which protect against free-radical damage, keeping
the skin youthful and healthy
Taken internally or externally coconut oil is a great ally for any beauty skin
care regime. It also contains lauric acid, an anti-microbial fatty acid that kills
bacteria, viruses and fungi.