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Dr. Nicholes Perricone, the author of the bestselling books "The Perricone Prescription" and "The Wrinkle Cure", said that the kind of food one eats greatly affect the skin's aging process. This is a fact that everyone knows but rarely practice. The doctor cited the different kinds of food people could choose from to keep their skin from early aging.
According to his study, there are "superfoods" which can be taken to help in bodily functions. The superfoods' effects are the following: reduction of cholesterol, reduction of risks for heart attack and stroke, maintain the proper functioning of organs, and prevent diseases which range from diabetes to obesity.
The superfoods are composed of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. There are some foods, which may contain only one of the three or may be present with all three. These three are considered the ‘repairmen' of organs, most specifically the cells. With the help of the essential fatty acids, fibers, and antioxidants the body will suffer less.
Below are the superfoods recommended by Dr. Perricone:
1. Green foods - this group includes barley and wheat grass and other green leafy vegetables; these are important in cholesterol control, prevention of cancers, and regulation of blood pressure
2. Barley - this gives insoluble and soluble fibers; this is also low in sugar; helps in the regulation of sugar in the blood, metabolizes fat, and lowers blood cholesterol
3. Acai - it is a berry found in palm trees in the Amazon which are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids
4. Allium - this is a group where garlic, chives, leeks, onions, and shallots belong; the allium family is a great source of antioxidants which helps the liver function at its optimum level
5. Beans and lentils - these foods are full of antioxidants; beans are source of many nutrients
6. Sprouts - these are Vitamin C-enriched foods, proteins are also present in sprouts
7. Hot peppers - aside from being a source of antioxidants, hot peppers also contain capsaicinoids which helps fight cancers; it also has anti-inflammatory function
8. Buckwheat - buckwheat is not considered a true grain but can be used as a rice substitute; buckwheat contains more nutrients than corn, wheat, and rice; controls sugar level in the blood
9. Yogurt/kefir - these are processed foods which are good for the body
10. Nuts and seeds - food group high in essential fatty acids; on top of the superfoods list; good for the skin
Lentils and beans are highly suggested by Dr. Perricone since these are inexpensive sources of fiber, protein, and essential fatty acids. Beans have flavanols and flavonoids that are also found in grains, cocoa beans, wine, and tea. The red pigments in the coatings of beans and lentils can supply antioxidants, which are fifty times than those given by Vitamin E.
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