According to Dr. Edward Henderson, a past president of the American Geriatric Society, the age of one hundred is a realistic and conceivable goal. Dr. Thomas S.Gardiner, one of the founders of the National Foundation for Anti-ageing Research, believes that we have not even approached the normal span of life. He claims that most ageing is premature, and that body organs are designed to last six to seven times as long as it usually takes the average person to reach maturity. He believes that we could double the life span.
There are three most important factors, which determine the condition of our bodies and often the lengths of our lives. These are nutrition, activity and mental outlook. Nutrition is the most important factor contributing to good health and longevity. It is the basis of any programme designed to help a person stay young longer. The entire body from heart to brain, from cells and tissues to bloodstream, depends for their survival upon the food we eat.
FOODS THAT PROMOTE LONGEVITY
Alfalfa, Almond, Apple, Barley, Brahmi, Chebulic Myroblan, Curd or Yogurt, Garlic, Ginseng, Honey, Indian Gooseberry, Lettuce, Milk, Olive Oil, Onion, Pollen, Raw Foods, Rice (brown), Sage and Soyabean.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa, one of the most nutritionally versatile foods, is a valuable source of several vitamins and other food ingredients. It is a rich source of vitamin A, B, D, E and G. It also has some vitamin C and K.
Investigations made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in recent years have revealed that alfalfa contains one and half times more protein than grains like wheat and corn and that its carbohydrate content is only half of that found in grains. The alfalfa proteins contain such essential amino acids as arginine, lysine, theronine and tryptophane. These amino acids are of paramount importance in maintaining good health and preventing deficiencies.
Of special value in alfalfa is the rich quality, quantity and proper balance of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chlorine, sodium, potassium and silicon. These elements are all very much needed for the proper functioning of the various organs in the body. This herbal food is one of the richest chlorophyll foods that build up both animals and humans into a healthy and vigorous old age. Its regular use can thus promote health and longevity.
This can be used either in the form of sprouted seeds, or in the form of juice extracted from the leaves or as herbal tea, made from the seeds as well as from dried leaves of the plant.
Almond
Almonds help built up both physical and mental health and prolong life. It is rich in all essential elements needed by the body. The medicinal virtues of almonds arise chiefly from pharmacodynamic action of copper, iron, phosphorus and vitamin Br These chemicals exert a synergetic action and help the formation of new blood cells, hemoglobin and plays a major role in maintaining the smooth physiological functions of brain, nerves, bones, heart and liver. Almonds are thus beneficial in preserving the vitality of the brain, in strengthening the muscles and in prolonging life. They form a vital part of all tonic preparations in Ayurveda and Unani Medicines.
The best way to use almonds is to soak them in water for few hours and grind them into fine paste after removing the skin. This paste is called almond butter. It is easily assimilated and is preferred to dairy butter by many vegetarians. This butter is of special value to older people who are generally bothered with the problem of not getting enough protein in their diets. By taking almond butter, they will be able to get not only high quality protein but also other excellent food ingredients, contained in the almond, in the most easily digestible form.
Apple
This popular fruit is a disease fighting food and helps prolong life. It reduces cholesterol and helps prevent cancer. It possesses mild antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and oestrogenic properties. This fruit is high in fiber and thus prevents constipation.
The active medicinal principle of apple is pectin, a natural therapeutic ingredient found in the inner portion of the rind and the pulp. Pectin aids in detoxification by supplying the galacturonic acid needed for the elimination of certain harmful substances. It also helps prevent putrefaction of protein matter in the alimentary canal. The malic acid contained in the apple is beneficial to the bowels, liver and brain.
The apple is the best fruit to tone up a weak and run-down condition of the human system. It is gifted with the qualities of removing all deficiencies of vital organs and making the body stout and strong. It tones up the body and the brain as it contains more phosphorus and iron than any other fruit or vegetable. Its regular consumption with milk promotes health and youthfulness and prolongs life.