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Stefan Aschan

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10 Healthy Foods for Longevity

Posted: 04/05/11 09:29 AM ET

Health is determined by what you eat."Let nutrition be your medicine," Aspostolus said.

What is true then has not changed today.

From my research and on-hand materials that I used to study for my Masters in Science in holistic nutrition, and clients who successfully improved health, energy or accomplished weight loss between 10 pounds and 100 pounds, here is my list of the top 10 foods.

These foods were selected for their general health, low toxicity and nutritional value (in terms of protein, fats, carbohydrates, antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals).

And what is good for your health is great for weight loss and your longevity. Both go hand in hand.

10 Best Foods

Water
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Water is the number one nutrient for your body. Without clean, fresh, uncontaminated water, you will not maintain your body's fluid balance, which consists of 90 percent water. Minerals and many vitamins are transported to our cells with this fluid. Many basic reactions and enzymes require water.

To prevent your body from building up toxic compounds, you need to flush them out. This can be accomplished by simply drinking fresh water. Check where your water comes from? Old water pipes may leach into the water system over time. (Many large cities offer free water testing kits. Look into it.)

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The foods chosen above are my "Top 10" foods list.

This list addresses protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes, which are essential for longevity and maintaining a healthy disease-free body.

The foods on this list contain the necessary building blocks to fortify your body, maintain a youthful skin and a healthy immune system.

This will help to maintain body weight and may prevent new-century diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancers when consumed according to your personal BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate).

Stay focused.

Stefan
M.Sc. in Holistic Nutrition, Affa, Ace, Reebok University

To meet Stefan Aschan and to sign up for your "7 free weight loss and youngevity strategies" visit www.StefanAschan.com

Resources:

The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, by Jonny Bowden,

The Fast Track Detox Diet, Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., C.N.S,

 
 
 

Follow Stefan Aschan on Twitter: www.twitter.com/stefanaschan

Health is determined by what you eat."Let nutrition be your medicine," Aspostolus said. What is true then has not changed today. From my research and on-hand materials that I used to study for my M...
Health is determined by what you eat."Let nutrition be your medicine," Aspostolus said. What is true then has not changed today. From my research and on-hand materials that I used to study for my M...
 
 
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05:15 PM on 05/12/2011
I'm not surprised that sardines made the list. I love them swimming in mustard sauce. Then I put thin red hot sauce on them. Or I get the bigger can that's tomato-and-spicy in flavor. You can get sardines at the dollar store, stick them in your back pack, and go somewhere to research!
12:29 PM on 04/28/2011
astragalus
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burrcycle
12:58 PM on 04/07/2011
You forgot to mention that vitamin C is destroyed by heat so a cooked pepper doesn't have any.
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jacquelinenh
HuffPo Addict
09:50 PM on 04/06/2011
When I saw the green glass bottle in the water photo, I thought you were going to mention pH. But since you didn't... Drinking mineral waters helps the body to stay slightly alkaline, the pH needed for optimal health. Adding lemon to the water increases its alkaline effect (lemons are alkaline, not acidic to the blood). It's fascinating stuff! More drinks that alkalize: http://www.betterbones.com/blog/post/Wholesome-low-calorie-drinks-that-alkalize.aspx
03:09 PM on 04/06/2011
Flaxseeds not only contain fiber, but they are also rich in alpha-linolenic acid, which is an essential fatty acid that is converted to omega-3 fatty acids in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes; however, the evidence is mixed regarding the efficacy of flaxseed for hyperlipidemia or coronary artery disease. Flaxseeds, but not flaxseed oil, also possess in vitro antioxidant and possible estrogen receptor agonist/antagonist properties, which have prompted theories of breast cancer treatment, albeit, without sufficient evidence to make a recommendation. For more information on flaxseed, visit http://naturalstandard.com/databases/herbssupplements/patient-flaxseed.asp
10:12 AM on 04/06/2011
Like the poster below, I'm so relieved to see there's no mention of whole grains in this article. It still amazes me that so many American think grains are good for them. Seriously, why would you think bread is good for you? Did it walk on land, fly, or swim? Did it sprout up from the ground or fall off a tree? No, it was manufactured by man. And yet we still eat it. Why? Because The Department of Agriculture and their ridiculous food pyramid, which was concocted by the food industry, tells us to. To all those who say you need grains for fiber, vitamins and nutrients, name one vitamin or nutrient that you can get from grains that you can't get from fruits and vegetables. The truth is there's nothing in grains that you can't get from fruits and vegetables. Sorry for the rant, but I get so sick of so-called health experts telling me to eat grains when so many of today's leading health issues can be traced back to grain consumption. One of the best things I ever did was cut out grains. That and dairy. No more depression, acne, excess fat, lack of energy, or allergies. Yeah, yeah. I'm sure people will roll their eyes and say it's not that simple. Why don't you try it and see for yourself? Cut out grains and dairy. Eat nothing but fruits, vegetables, lean meat, fish and nuts and see how you look and feel.
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BoFo
Like, you talkin' to me?
02:05 AM on 04/07/2011
Wrong, as usual.
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Ken Kinstle
Helping People Experience Wellness
11:46 PM on 04/05/2011
Great post on the top ten foods to be healthy. I agree and know that pure clean water is number one . Americans need to drink more water and less poisons! I have found another all natural food products that is helping many pepole reduce inflammation and pain. This is not the usual it comes from the Nopal Cactus. To read more please visit my site http://thenopalcactusjuice.com or my Squidoo lens at
http://www.squidoo.com/kens-nopal-cactus-juice. This truly a healthy food all natural product helping many to get healthier. Dr Oz include Nopal Cactus in his top ten natural health wonders... too cool and worth checking out.
Thanks!
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DrP
10:51 PM on 04/05/2011
Pretty good advice here! For once, no mention of the oxymoronic "healthy whole grains."
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BoFo
Like, you talkin' to me?
02:05 AM on 04/07/2011
Whole grains are healthy.
There you go , Doctor Pee.
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sukiposeyzena
10:33 PM on 04/05/2011
Eat vegan.
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SuperDaveOsborn
08:52 PM on 04/05/2011
Limit your grilling and pan-frying, and try steaming, broiling and sautéing your meats instead. If you have to grill, it’s better to grill fruits or vegetables. You can minimize your exposure to cancerous chemicals by marinating or precooking meat before tossing it on the grill.
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SuperDaveOsborn
08:51 PM on 04/05/2011
The following are 3 secrets to help you reduce your cancer risk:

Secret #1: Eat Hard Cheeses. Studies have shown that people who eat 2 slices of hard cheese a day have an overall decreased risk of developing cancers. These cheeses contain menaquinone, a special form of vitamin K, known as vitamin K2, that inhibits cancer growth. Hard cheeses are typically made with bacteria that ferment and vitamin K2 is a byproduct of that process. If you are concerned about introducing cheese into your diet for health reasons, don’t worry too much; vitamin K2 actually protects the heart against hardening of the arteries. Try eating cheeses rich in vitamin K2 like gouda, Jarlsberg and edam. To learn more about this secret cancer fighter.

Secret #2: Exercise Regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can decrease your cancer risks. To reap the full benefits, you should be engaging in vigorous exercise for 45 to 60 minutes, 5 days a week. However, if such a rigorous routine is unrealistic for you, there are benefits to moderate exercise of at least 30 minutes of exercise during which you reach an elevated heart rate 3 days a week.

Secret #3: Stop Grilling Meats
Research has found that grilling and pan-frying meats – red meat, pork, poultry and fish – causes the muscle to break down and creates cancer-causing chemicals as a byproduct of the process. These chemicals are highly concentrated in the blackened, charred areas of grilled meats.
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purenergy
06:42 AM on 04/06/2011
Super Dave...great reference
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SuperDaveOsborn
08:49 PM on 04/05/2011
Vitamin D3 (5,000 IU's daily) or 15 min. in the sun =15,000 IU's,Red BEETS = Most anit-oxidant according to Dr. Oz,Garlic & Onions, Coral Calcium or two pints plain yougurt daily !
Colorful fruits & Veg's, (cabbage for women & COOKED tomatoes for all & Multi grain breads and beans.
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Chuck Bluestein
Always searching for latest health breakthrough
07:00 PM on 04/05/2011
Chia seeds are the new flaxseeds. Just as high in omega-3 and other things but none of the problems of flaxseeds. If you do not chew the flaxseeds and break them, they will not digest. So then they sell flaxseed meal and oil. With these it is very easy for them to spoil because of the oil. So no need to break the chia seeds and expose the oil since the unbroken ones do digest.

Peppers are great for heart health. But berries are the healthiest of the foods for cardiovascular health and heart health. Even hawthorne berries are known as one of the best herbs for the heart. http://bit.ly/card-io There are many recent studies that show that berries are great for the arteries and some berries, like strawberries and blueberries, can lower high blood pressure.
07:53 PM on 04/05/2011
Chia seeds are also a lot more expensive.
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Ljilja
http://graciouslivingdaybyday.com/
04:03 PM on 04/05/2011
Roasted peppers are delicious.

Roast peppers, peel the skin, drizzle with salt, olive oil and vinegar and you have a wonderful, nutritious dish!

http://graciouslivingdaybyday.com/
02:09 PM on 04/05/2011
Both my grandparents lived long and happy lives (grandma 99 and Grandad 96 years). Their diet was a simple one based on oatmeal porridge every day for breakfast, and lunch/dinner comprised of cabbages, potatoes and sometimes fish and chicken and home made wholewheat bread. All the food was home grown on their little farm and they had the largest larder of home made gooseberry jams I have ever seen! When asked the secret of their long and happy life, there response was usually fresh cool buttermilk!
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OriginalName
Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo.
11:31 AM on 04/06/2011
The problem today is that too many people rely on pre-cooked/processed meals, if not fast food. Your grandparents would appear to be a testament to the benefits of cooking fresh whole foods at home, something I truly believe in.