| Americans spent $44.6 billion on anti-aging | | | | the liver eliminate toxins and carcinogens. |
| products and services last year, according to | | | | |
| Norwalk, Connecticut - based research firm | | | | Barley can be used as a breakfast cereal in |
| Business Communications Company Inc. | | | | soups and stews, and as a rice substitute. |
| Expenditures included $37.6 billion spent on | | | | Barley is also high in fiber and helps |
| drugs and supplements targeted at specific | | | | metabolize fats, cholesterol and |
| diseases of aging, $7.7 billion spent on | | | | carbohydrates. |
| appearance products and services and nearly | | | | |
| $280 million spent on anti-aging products | | | | Green foods like wheat and barley grasses can |
| that use advanced technologies such as hair | | | | be bought in powder, tablet or juice form, |
| regrowth. | | | | and offer greater levels of nutrients than |
| | | | green leafy vegetables. They also help |
| Growing at an average annual rate of 9.2 | | | | control cholesterol levels, high blood |
| percent, the total market is estimated to | | | | pressure, and immune response. |
| reach nearly $72 billion by 2009. Still, if | | | | |
| people ate the right foods, perhaps they | | | | Buckwheat is loaded with protein and high in |
| wouldn't spend so much money on Botox, caviar | | | | amino acids. It stabilizes blood sugar levels |
| crème, facelifts, and other expensive | | | | and reduces hypertension. |
| anti-aging regimens. | | | | |
| | | | Both bell and chili peppers contain |
| The benefits of eating healthy are endless. | | | | antioxidants, have twice the Vitamin C as |
| Health experts said some foods can even help | | | | citrus fruit and work as great fat burners. |
| you look and age better. Beans and lentils, | | | | |
| for instance, can reduce cholesterol and are | | | | Numerous varieties of sprouts are great with |
| rich sources of antioxidants, folic acid and | | | | any meal. They're a great source of protein |
| potassium. Try kidney, black, navy, pinto, | | | | and Vitamin C. Try adding them to any dish to |
| chickpeas, and soybeans for starters. | | | | boost your immune system. |
| | | | |
| You can't go wrong with a handful of nuts a | | | | Yogurt and kefir contain healthful bacteria |
| day. Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia | | | | that aid immune function, and calcium helps |
| and pistachio nuts contain omega 3 fatty | | | | burn fat. Try using them as a base for a |
| acids which are great for your heart. Raw, | | | | smoothie. |
| unsalted nuts and seeds are the best. | | | | |
| | | | So what makes certain foods such powerful |
| Acai berry is one of the most nutritious and | | | | age-defying weapons? Antioxidants, special |
| powerful foods in the world. It can often be | | | | substances found in these foods, have the |
| found in juice form in health food and | | | | ability to scavenge free radicals, compounds |
| gourmet stores. Garlic, onions, leeks, | | | | whose unstable chemical nature accelerates |
| scallions, chives and shallots can all help | | | | the effect of aging on our cells. |