From Denny: Who ever thought drinking fruit drinks could help to fight the signs of aging? Health Magazine's senior food and nutrition editor Frances Largeman-Roth, a registered dietitian, show us how delicious it can be to take care of your health and look good in the process.
First things first. When the hot summer arrives it's easy to reach for sugary drinks and processed foods. Bad idea. Sugar and processed foods age us, especially the skin. Here are some tasty alternatives to help slow down the clock.
Summer is a great time to pay special attention to our health and utilize fresh produce from local farmers markets and grocers. "You can stay away from processed foods all summer because of all this stuff that's ripe and accessible -- no reason to grab stuff in a package," Largeman-Roth says. "If it's processed, most processed foods will have preservatives and are high in sodium, which we know we should cut back on."
Who can benefit from these anti-aging drinks? Well, everyone. Why wait until you are middle-aged before deciding to take care of your skin? Actually, Health Magazine developed these recipes with the average female reader in mind of the age range of 35-50 years old. Largeman-Roth adds, "But they could be great for anyone, young or old, male or female. They are a refreshing and healthy way to get more whole foods into your diet."
These ingredients are recommended to be eaten or drunk at least once a day to receive maximum benefit. "The caveat with beverages is that people tend to over-consume," according to Largeman-Roth. "We try to keep the portion size smart. You don't want to drink your calories, so make sure this is part of your daily calorie intake."
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From CBS, About Health Magazine's anti-aging drinks:
1. Tropical Treat Smoothie
Active anti-age ingredient: MATCHA.
Why it's good for you: Rich in nutrients, antioxidants and chlorophyll, the health benefits of matcha exceed those of other green teas-drinkers ingest the whole leaf (in powdered form), not just the brewed water. One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of green tea in terms of nutritional value and antioxidant content. Also it has no calories.
The powerful antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in matcha green tea is 137 times greater than the amount of EGCG in regular green tea.
The ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of antioxidants within matcha green tea is exponentially higher than other foods known for their high antioxidant levels such as blueberries and spinach. The ORAC rating of matcha is 1300 units/g, compared to 105 units/g for pomegranates and 91 units/g for wild blueberries.
2. Very Cherre Spritzer -- (Not available elsewhere online) -
Active anti-age ingredient: CHERRY JUICE.
Why it's good for you: Inflammation inside your body leads to premature aging and illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. That means foods that fight inflammation-like tart cherries-could add years to your life. In a recent study, researchers found that giving whole tart cherries to lab rats reduced two common markers of blood vessel inflammation by up to 50 percent. The cherry eaters also gained less weight and experienced big drops in cholesterol.
3. Double C Smoothie
Active anti-age ingredient: VITAMIN C
Why it's good for you: This smoothie has 158mg of vitamin C, which is more than 100% of the RDA. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and helps fight free-radical damage-both inside the body and when applied to the skin.
4. Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie
Active anti-age ingredient: PEANUTS (RESVERATROL). The first major (and all-natural) anti-aging phytochemical.
Where you'll find it: We've all heard about the benefits of resveratrol in wine, but that's not the only source. The roots, stems, leaves, shells, and seeds of peanut plans Are also high in this antioxidant. Peanut butter is a great source!
Why it's good for you: Preliminary research suggests that resveratrol can lengthen the lives of mice. Will it work for you? It's too soon to know, but red grapes (plus mixed berries, peanuts, and a little red wine) are the best sources of this promising ingredient.
This magic phytochemical shows signs of preventing damage to blood vessels, reducing "bad" cholesterol, and preventing blood clots.
5. Blackberry-Banana Slim Down Smoothie
Active anti-age ingredient: BANANA
Why it's good for you: Bananas aren't just for making a bowl of bran cereal less boring. They are rich in vitamin B-6 something your body may need more of as you age, especially if you're a woman. Researchers found that women of childbearing age, particularly those taking oral contraceptives, are much more likely than men to have inadequate amounts of vitamin B6. The nutrient is necessary for estrogen metabolism, researchers say, and the Pill adds more estrogen to your body.
B6 is also vital for red blood cell function, a healthy immune system, and normal brain activity; low levels can lead to a form of anemia. Another B benefit: Research in the journal Neurobiology shows that boosting B12 intake could reduce the risks of Alzheimer's. Bananas, baked potatoes, and chicken are good sources of B6; eggs, meat, and milk are high in B12. Bonus: Bananas help keep you full with resistant starch!
ANTI-AGING DRINK RECIPES:
Tropical Treat Smoothie
Prep: 7 minutes.
Yield: Makes 1 smoothie (1 1/4 cups)
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh or frozen unsweetened pineapple cubes (such as Dole), plus a pineapple wedge for garnish
1/2 cup soft silken tofu
1/2 cup coconut sorbet
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons cold water
Matcha tea (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon to taste)
Preparation:
1. Purée all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into a chilled serving glass, and garnish with pineapple wedge; serve.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310
Fat: 6g (sat 3g,mono 0.0g,poly 1g)
Cholesterol: 5mg
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrate: 58g
Fiber: 3g
Iron: 2mgs
Sodium: 95mg
Calcium: 89mg
Very Cherre Spritzer
Ingredients:
4 oz. Very Cherre Juice
Plain Seltzer
Fresh cherry
Preparation:
1. Pour 4 oz. Very Cherre juice into glass. Top with plain seltzer and garnish with fresh cherry. Serve with or without ice.
2. Add champagne or other alcohol to make your favorite cocktail.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 67
Double C Smoothie
Prep: 10 minutes.
Yield: Makes 1 smoothie (about 1 cup)
Ingredients:
1 small (9-ounce) papaya (preferably strawberry variety), peeled and chopped
1/4 cup vanilla low-fat frozen yogurt or kefir
1 1/2 tablespoons light agave nectar, divided
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 chopped peeled kiwifruit, divided
Preparation:
1. Purée papaya in a blender with frozen yogurt, 1 tablespoon agave nectar, and lime juice. Pour into a chilled serving glass.
2. Rinse blender, and purée kiwifruit, reserving 1 slice, with remaining 1/2 tablespoon agave until smooth. Spoon on top of papaya mixture, and garnish with kiwifruit slice; serve.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 307
Fat: 3g (sat 1g, mono 0.0g, poly 0.0g)
Cholesterol: 33mg
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrate: 67g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 35mg
Calcium: 194mg
Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie
Yield: serves 3 (serving size: 1 cup)
Ingredients:
1 cup sliced ripe banana
1 cup one percent chocolate low-fat milk
1/2 cup vanilla low-fat frozen yogurt
2 tablespoons natural-style peanut butter
1 (8-ounce) carton vanilla low-fat yogurt
Preparation:
1. Place banana in freezer; freeze until firm (about an hour). Remove from freezer; let stand 5 minutes. Combine banana and remaining ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 201
Fat: 5.9g (sat 1.7g, mono 2.5g,poly 1.3g)
Cholesterol: 6mg
Protein: 8.5g
Carbohydrate: 31g
Fiber: 1.8g
Iron: 0.5mg
Sodium: 113mg
Calcium: 222mg
Blackberry-Banana Slim Down Smoothie
Prep: 10 minutes.
Yield: Makes 2 servings (serving size: about 2 cups)
Ingredients:
2 cups frozen blackberries
1 small banana, sliced
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Preparation:
1. Process blackberries, banana, coconut milk, yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and lemon zest in a blender until smooth.
2. Divide the mixture evenly into 2 chilled glasses, and serve.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 250
Fat: 5g (sat 3g,mono 0.0g,poly 0.0g)
Cholesterol: 4mg
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrate: 52g
Fiber: 9g
Iron: 2mg
Sodium: 61mg
Calcium: 161mg
*** Photo from CBS
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