Telomeres (following)

Here I am again on this topic: let’s finish talking about the telomere-friendly foods, as promised.

Eggs – known as an excellent source of high-quality proteins. But also a good source of selenium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, pantothenic acid, lutein together with zeaxanthin (both so important for our eyes) and choline (a neurotransmitter critical for brain function and health). Just one egg provides 23% of the daily dose of choline. Don’t worry about eggs being dangerous for our cardiovascular system. It’s utterly NOT true.

Tea – black, green and white teas. All of them with cancer inhibiting properties, in particular green tea which is one hundred times more antioxidant than vitamin C. All regular users of tea have a higher bone density.

Tomatoes – contain high levels of lycopene that reduces the risks of prostate and stomach cancers. Cook them, in order to make the lycopene more absorbable.

Meat – ONLY if organic, lean, not processed, not subjected to any drugs, chemicals, hormones and grass-fed meats. Provided these requisites, it’s a very good source of proteins, which are indispensable to keep longer telomeres. But it has to be absolutely pure, without anabolic substances, preservatives or any carcinogenic elements. I highlight: organic! Otherwise just avoid it! We’re genetically adapted to eat meat, it has a positive insulin/glucose response, quite easily digested (IF not  overcooked) and contains zinc, which helps to keep longer telomeres too. My personal note: I understand and like American culture, but using barbecue to cook it is the worst possible method. Ever. Because this method of cooking creates plenty of carcinogenic elements, especially on the surface of the meat. And focus on Bison meat: the best.

Beans – with proteins and complex carbohydrates (the perfect combination), calcium, B vitamins, potassium and magnesium, folic acid, iron. They contain both soluble and insoluble fibers, more than other plants (the soluble fiber helps to reduce cholesterol and normalize blood sugar).

Sea vegetables – also called seaweed. As sea vegetables don’t have roots like other vegetables, they must absorb all nutrients from the ocean water, becoming the richest source of minerals. Dark sea vegetables are particularly important because contain sodium alginate, which converts heavy metals present in our bodies into sea salt (look for arame, wakame, hijiki), then urinated. They also all contain iodine, which helps in weight loss. The most rich in proteins is the “nori” variety (very rich in vitamin K too, which keeps calcium into our bones and not in our blood). Instead of using salt, try using a powder of dried sea vegetables: much healthier and tastier. Even a seaweed salad is the perfect one on its own!

Cabbage – particularly interesting because it stimulates the immune system, kills bacteria and viruses (very helpful during the winter), has a wide variety of anticancer properties: e.g. just eating cabbage once a week inhibits colon cancer by 60%.  Stabilizes hormone levels. Moreover, if eaten raw it contains vitamin U, which protects against stomach ulcers.

Kale – which has even more medicinal qualities than cabbage. It protects against many cancer forms but also against heart diseases. It has a very high content of calcium, so high that just eating kale is enough to protect yourself against osteoporosis and arthritis.

These are some of the best foods to keep your telomeres healthier and longer. This post and the previous one were not meant to be dedicated to antioxidants in general (of course all very helpful to protect your telomeres), or to particular so-called superfoods (like goji e.g.). I’ll give more tips on general rules to be followed on our daily eating habits to preserve telomeres.

To be continued

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