We are 5% of the worlds population but consume 50% of the prescription drugs.  Are drugs the answer? You do the math!

We cannot control what the more than 600 drug lobbyist and the deluge of enormous profits  that drug companies generate. We can, however, live more healthy lives and extend our longevity by understanding the cause of aging and disease.

Aging is due to deterioration of cellular health.  This is caused by free radical damage. What is free radical damage?  It is inflammation caused by foreign substances (even some drugs & man adulterated foods).  Toxins and pollutants are obvious foreign objects that tax your body and shorten your life.

How do free radicals cause damage? These foreign substances pollute your body chemistry.  They steal electrons from essential bio substances in your body. One of the primary ways cellular health is affected is within the mitochondria of the cell.

The mitochondria are the energy factories in every cell and they also have DNA  that is affected. Chromosomes that carry the genetic code of your cells get shortened with the onslaughts of free radicals.  This reduces the health of the cells and their assimilation of essential nutrients the body needs. Health degrades.

When you are young, there is optimal function and less accumulation of cellular damage caused by the free radicals. The body is efficient and able to handle some ill effects without  noticeable degradation. There is a build up of tissues, called anabolism.  With age, catabolism occurs…a net loss of cells and function.  Your body becomes less efficient.

The type of food you consume can be an asset or detriment. Excessive amounts of sugar, salt, trans fats and preserved foods compromise health.  The needed nutrients (enzymes, phytonutrients and vitamins) are lacking.  The body becomes less efficient in its operation and aging and declining health ensue.

Raw fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains are so essential.  Why? Heat destroys the majority of enzymes at 126 degrees Fahrenheit.  (There are over 3000 enzymes used by the body)  It does not end there.  Certain minerals, especially magnesium (used in over 325 chemical reactions of the body) are necessary to assimilate the needed nutrients.  Vitamins A, C and E are also anti oxidants that work best with whole foods.

Numerous studies demonstrate reduced cancer, heart disease (#1 killer) and all inflammatory diseases diminish when abundant (3 to 5 servings a day) of fresh fruits and vegetables  are consumed. Nuts and whole grains likewise provide essential and auxiliary  nutrients, catalysts and minerals.

Other phytonutrients (from plants) in the form of flavenoids (sources of color there) are needed also. There is reportedly over 4000 flavenoids which are antioxidants that are believed to neutralized these inflammatory free radicals.  They come from fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.  Many have not been researched, but those that have, prove to be real allies to health and longivety.  They reduce free radical damage and health degeneration.

In summary what extends longevity?

1. Reduce sugar consumption (reports vary…from 136 to 157 pounds per person per year)  It is in every prepared food and beverage. It is a risk factor in heart disease, cancer and diabetes…leading killers.
2. Reduce salt (sodium) and increase potassium. (Excess sodium is associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease)  The balance should favor potassium but is usually the opposite.  (Sodium is in virtually all prepared foods)
3. Reduce toxic exposures, like smoking (A high risk factor in heart disease and cancer)
4. Get adequate essential nutrients and vitamins. (with age more are needed because of a less efficient body) Take a quality multiple vitamin as you get older.
5. Take proven supplements: D-ribose,  L-Carnitine and CoQ-10 for energy and heart health.
6. Consume raw fresh fruits and vegetables that provide phytonutrients, enzymes, minerals  & flavenoids
7. Take  in essential fatty acids ( Omega 3′s ) from supplements like flax oil or deep sea fish oils.
8. Add resveratrol supplement that stimulates the longevity gene and is an anti oxidant.
9. Perform exercise and good weight control. (obesity is a high risk factor in many diseases and statistically shortens longevity)

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