“People don’t have a choice when it comes to aging, but they can choose how they will age,” writes Grace Ouano, award-winning author of The Age Beautifully and The Age GRACEfully Cookbooks. “The foods they eat, exercise and healthy habits can have dramatically positive effects on age-defying.”
In a WebMD article (www.webmd.com /healthy-aging/guide/seniors-boost-immunity#1), Aaron E. Glatt, MD and chairman of the department of medicine at South Nassau Communities Hospitals, said that the body’s immune system tends to get weaker with age, which, in turn, contributes to the contraction of infectious diseases like cancer. “Just as you probably can’t run as fast as you used to in your 20s, your immune system doesn’t work as well as it used to.”
Nutritionists have long recognized that various micronutrient deficiencies contribute to the deterioration of our body’s healing abilities. Ouano, who has spent two decades in the health-care industry, penned numerous recipes that are grounded on this health concern.
The cookbooks The Power of Foodtrients to Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life, and Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets From Around the World provide easy-to-make recipes that combines modern scientific research and ancient knowledge of medicinal herbs and natural ingredients from around the world.
The books suggest that as you age, you need to load up on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and low-fat dairy. You eat less fatty meats, butter, sugar, salt and packaged foods.
“My dad taught me that when you’re 40, you have to limit your meat consumption and instead eat a lot of vegetables because your body is no longer rejuvenating. Also when you’re 40, you need probiotics to avoid acid reflux; an alternative to this is eating fermented pickles,” said Ouano at the launch of her books in Alphaland in Makati.
Grace O has identified eight categories of “FoodTrients” (a name that she coined which pertains to the antiaging properties of food) that are essential to age-defying and healthier living: Anti-inflammatory, foods that reduce the inflammation process in cells, tissues and blood vessels to slow aging and lower the risk of long-term disease; Antioxidants, which prevent and repair oxidative damage to cells caused by free radicals; Disease Prevention, which reduces risk factors for common degenerative and age-related diseases; Immune Boosters, which support the body’s resistance to infection and strengthens immune vigilance; Mind,
which improves memory and focus; Beauty, which promotes healthy skin and eyes; Strength, which increase bone density and repairs tissue and; Weight Loss, foods that encourage improved metabolism and digestion.
By incorporating these properties in an everyday diet, people are more likely to live healthier.
The internationally acclaimed author notes that FoodTrients can work like medicine. Garlic, for one, contains allicin which is an anti-inflammatory that reduces the risk of heart diseases, stroke and cancer. Ashitaba, which is more commonly used as a traditional medicine for healing wounds, helps in aiding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gout, constipation and hay fever. It is also used for cancer, smallpox, fluid retention, blood clots and food poisoning. Turmeric, on the other hand, contains bioactive compounds with powerful medicinal properties.
The Philippines has plenty of nutritional leafy greens, as well. The malunggay, or moringa oleifera, contains helpful compounds, such as vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B-6, folate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, potassium and iron. It’s rich in antioxidants, can lower cholesterol levels, and has the potential to protect the body against arsenic toxicity.
“These books are basically showing to the mainstream Americans that we have in Asia a lot of exotic fruits and vegetables, In 2008 and 2009 nobody in the US knew about malunggay, the jackfruit and the mangosteen. Even the coconut wasn’t a fad, so I started educating them about it and then all of a sudden, it all became viral in our community,” said Ouano.
Ouano shared that food can also help the skin look younger. Certain FoodTrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E are very good for building collagen, hydrating skin, improving elasticity and helping to build strong hair and nails.
“This is really an antiaging cookbook. It’s not a diet book or a meal program. It’s full of recipes that utilize powerful and even exotic ingredients like turmeric, bitter melon, acai, soursop and jackfruit, all of which help you keep looking young and healthy.” she said.
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Proceeds from the cookbook sales during the benefit and tasting event at Alphaland in Makati City will be donated to Bright Halls Children’s Foundation, an organization that provides temporary home for children while they wait for a permanent adoptive home or to be reintegrated with their birth families or relatives.