Longevity Series: Having Better Nutrition For A Longer Life

It is sort of astonishing that as the level of increasing exercise equipment is being promoted and the numerous health clubs being built every day, that equally there is as much of a growth in the manufacturing of over-processed fat type foods that are unhealthy for everyone. It is almost comical how many drive through food places you can pass by just on your way home from work, or the hundreds of brands of potato chips in just one aisle in the grocery store there are now.

So how does one avoid the temptation of fast foods and junk foods and make smarter food choices for a long life? The solution to this growing epidemic is to simply plan your meal choices ahead of time and only eat when you’re truly hungry. The human body is very complex and intelligent; it will tell you when it requires more food to provide you with enough energy to get through the rest of your day.

With families struggling to balance their work, children and social lives all simultaneously it results in the sheer convenience junk foods provide that drive so many people to make those poor food choices. It’s not just the obvious array of snack and fast foods that can take years off of your life, as it is even the prepared meals you find in the frozen food section of your local grocery store. These quick meals are loaded with Trans fat and preservatives that not only add on the pounds, but they cause fatigue as well. Some others to stay away from are goods that are high in salt, caffeine, sugar and of course the over consumption of alcohol.
Choosing food choices for a longer life, look for the ones that are high in anti oxidants, not fried and always try to have a wide variety of colors with various fruits and vegetables on your plate. Raw vegetables are one of the smartest food choices you can make as they still contain all their nutrients that you would normally lose by cooking them. Some other options of food choices for a longer, healthier life are berries of any kind, green vegetables, nuts, whole grains, tomatoes, raw onions, sesame seeds and soy beans.

A really great idea is to plant your very own supply of fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits if your geographic location allows for that. You are then gaining organic foods that haven’t been processed or handled and you’re making a healthy habit that is very beneficial for seniors looking for an activity to get involved in. A few more tips for eating for a better life are to drink lots of water, stay away from smoking and try your best to get in some form of exercise or activity three times per every week. You will not only feel and sleep better by making these simple changes, but you may also shed a few pounds in the process. Get adequate rest, snack on fruits, nuts or yogurt during the day and most of all stay positive about the aging process as a winning attitude can lead to less stress and a better chance of living a peaceful, long life.

Do Energy Shots Really Work?

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few years, you've heard of 'energy shots'. You've seen the commercials-an attractive male talks about the different ways people try to gain energy throughout the day (coffee, soda, etc) and how his energy shot is better. I've seen 4-hour, 5-hour and 7-hour energy shots in stores, and you probably have too. But what is in them, and are they safe? More importantly, do they actually work?

Ingredients vary from drink to drink, but most energy shots contain B Vitamins, caffeine and taurine. Taurine is an amino acid found in animal products. When they say that there's no 'crash' later, they're referring to the type of energy drain that can be caused by sugary products. Have you ever eaten a candy bar or drank a soda to get your energy up, only to find that you feel worse than before once the energy wears off? That's because of the sugar. Most energy shots contain about 4 calories, so they are also friendlier on the waistline than sugary products. It's also much easier to fit a 2-ounce bottle into a pocket or purse than a 12-oz can of soda or a cup of coffee!

Many people do report increased energy from taking the energy shots compared to other drinks. I've never tried them; at $3-$4 a pop, they're a bit expensive to me. As for the taste, I've heard it compared to your average energy (which I find disgusting). I guess since there's only two ounces, it's much easier tolerate it than a larger drink. While a boost of B Vitamins certainly won't hurt you, it hasn't been proven to boost energy in someone unless they have a deficiency of them.

In terms of safety, it all depends. Since they give a good dose of caffeine, it's probably not a good idea to take them with other caffeinated drinks (coffee, etc). Also, do not take more than one at a time or take it several times a day. The adverse effects of too much caffeine-rapid heartbeat, nervousness, insomnia, higher blood pressure, etc-are still there with energy shots, so people who are sensitive to caffeine might want to avoid them. An excess of some B Vitamins can cause an uncomfortable jittery and 'flushing' feeling. If you have any concerns, ask your doctor. Also, most energy shots like 5-Hour Energy are considered 'herbal supplements', and thus not required to undergo FDA testing or to list their ingredients on the bottle like other products are.

Overall, energy shots work better for some people than others. It's fine to take them for an extra boost of energy if you need it immediately, which is why they are so popular among college students cramming for exams the next morning! However, if you are really tired on a regular basis, it's better to find out why. For instance, are you getting enough sleep? Drinking enough water? Getting enough exercise? Work on these things first if you find you are chronically tired; otherwise, you're just treating the symptom.