Foods That Keep You Youthful and Healthy, and Foods to Avoid

Being single, meeting new people, doing new things can be exciting, and sometimes stressful. We finally take time to focus attention on ourselves, and want to look and feel our best. Healthy, happy people are attractive. But some of us don't think much about our health until it's effects become obvious, or we are faced with losing it.

Many people do not realize that their health problems may be largely due to the foods and drinks they consume. Studies have linked numerous chronic diseases like Type-II Diabetes, heart disease and cancer to unhealthy diets. By modifying your diet, you can foster vibrant health and a youthful appearance--regardless of your chronological age.

Food combining plays a pivotal role in a healthy diet. To optimize digestion, try to avoid eating certain types of foods simultaneously. For example, try to avoid eating a protein simultaneously with a starch. Although it is common to have a hamburger or steak and potatoes, these protein-starch combinations are hard on your digestive system. The type of stomach acid needed to digest proteins and starches differs. As a result, when protein and starch are consumed together, your stomach acids effectively cancel each other out, causing undigested food to sit in your stomach longer. Be gentle on your system by consuming proteins and starches a few hours apart.

Fruit should be eaten separately from other food. You should wait at least an hour after eating other food to eat fruit. After eating fruit, wait at least 30 minutes before eating other types of food. Melons like cantaloupe and watermelon should only be eaten with other melons.

It is important to avoid drinking water and other liquids with your meals. Liquids can dilute your digestive acid and make your food harder to digest. By following these simple food-combining rules, you will help optimize the work of your digestive system to process your food in a healthy and efficient manner.

One should also consume predominantly alkaline (high pH foods) rather than acidic (low pH) foods. Almost all fruits, with the exception of blueberries, are alkaline. Most vegetables are also alkaline. Proteins like meat are generally acidic, and should be avoided. Legumes (beans) and nuts contain protein, like meat, but are not as acid-forming. By consuming a primarily alkaline diet, you can help your own pH stay at the ideal level of 6.5 to 7. In turn, this will help you ward off disease and aging.

Also ensure that you consume a high quantity of Vitamin C through the foods you eat. Vitamin C builds collagen in the skin and helps fight off viruses. It's a powerful anti-oxidant that neutralizes the free-radicals that cause cell deterioration. Vitamin C is naturally present in large quantities in fruit and vegetables. However, it is also helpful to take a supplement containing this healthful and water-soluble vitamin on a daily basis.

In terms of foods you should avoid, steer clear of sugary sodas and processed foods. In particular, try to avoid processed sugar and white flour. The processed sugar in these foods goes straight to your blood and taxes your body. This can take a toll on the appearance of your skin and your overall health.

Many people suggest avoiding caffeine, although in truth, caffeine has a net benefit. While it can make you jittery and anxious, it sharpens your mental agility. It is also thought to help stave off Type-II Diabetes and Parkinson's. In addition, freshly-brewed coffee contains antioxidants, so a moderate dose of up to two cups of coffee a day may be beneficial.

It should also be noted that, according to studies, a lower calorie consumption helps halt aging. Accordingly, keeping your portions and meals small will help you defy Father Time as well.

In a nutshell, eating mostly fruits and vegetables, properly combining your foods and eating smaller meals can help you avoid chronic illnesses and slow down aging. Try changing your dietary habits, and you will see visible benefits before you know it.