As early as 20 years of age, many people notice that wrinkles are beginning to appear, they’re losing a little hair and even their nails are beginning to thin. By age 30, the majority of human organs have already started to show the effects of the aging process. At 40, you begin to show signs of a slowing metabolism – gaining weight is easier and losing it is harder. Between 40 and 65 years of age, you’re aware of losses in muscle strength, sight and hearing. Most women start to lose bone density at an alarming rate years before menopause. By the time you’ve reached 65, chances are you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, osteoporosis or some other chronic disease such as heart disease, hypertension or cancer. Pretty grim news. But, it doesn’t have to be.
Over the past 50 years, researchers have learned a lot about how our diet affects the aging process. Most recommend that we make early changes to our diet that includes:

• Limiting the number of calories we eat
• Taking multi-vitamins
• Eating more whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables
• Switching from whole to non-fat dairy products
• Eating more lean meats and fish

Another development that has been the basis of hundreds of published studies and countless newspaper and magazine articles is the value of antioxidants in diminishing the aging process.
Antioxidants are naturally occurring molecules that slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules. They’re also used as additives to help eliminate deterioration of packaged foods and to extend their shelf life. Oxidation can be responsible for the destruction of cells in many diseases and significantly contributes to the aging process.
A number of foods are rich in antioxidants, are recommended to help slow the aging process and to prevent naturally occurring diseases. “ACES” foods that contain vitamin A, C, E and selenium are common in many of your favorite foods:

• Vitamin A – dark green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs and many dairy products like milk, butter and cheese
• Vitamin C – fruits, red peppers, broccoli, tomatoes and liver
• Vitamin E – vegetable oils, peanuts, corn, asparagus and fortified breakfast cereals
• Selenium – dried nuts, fresh pork, turkey, mushrooms, tuna and striped bass

Antioxidants are also present in a number of “superfoods” like Goji berries. While Goji berries are grown all over the world, the best quality berries are cultivated at high altitude in Tibet. They contain 18 amino acids, 12 times the protein of apples, oranges or strawberries, are a good source of vitamin C and beta carotene. The polysaccharides in Goji berries can help to combat many common diseases of aging like cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and osteoporosis and have been part of the Tibetan diet for thousands of years.
Getting on in years is an evitable part of life. But, getting old doesn’t have to be. By watching what you eat, drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise, you can significantly slow the aging process and enjoy living into your “golden years.”

How does our body end up with too much low density lipoprotein (LDL)?

The cholesterol gets delivered to organs and tissues in your body by these lipoproteins. If you end up with too much cholesterol in your body, it becomes oxidized. These oxidized particles (plaques) can build up under the blood vessel lining and can obstruct the flow of blood causing coronary arterial disease along with other heart diseases. If you consume foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats, chances are your LDL will be elevated, which will put you at risk for coronary and heart disease. Also, another factor of concern is your family genetics.

Having a family history of hypercholesterolemia ( high LDL) is where a mutation in the gene allows the LDL cholesterol not to be absorbed into the cells as well as it should. This causes the LDL cholesterol to continue circulating in the blood where it eventually sticks to the artery wall thus causing a life threatening health hazard. Most of the time this gene is inherited from just one parent, but the children have a 50% chance of inheriting this mutated gene. Male children have a stronger chance of developing coronary artery disease before they reach fifty.

How do get your elevated LDL cholesterol under control

If you have a family history of hypercholesterolemia, it is vitally important to start exercising and eating foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Adding fiber and eating foods that provide antioxidants will help to balance your cholesterol. All natural goji berries are one of the best sources of antioxidants you will find. They provide an array of nutrients, your body needs, on a daily basis. Goji berries have more vitamin C than oranges. Goji berries will help to lower your LDL cholesterol and elevate your HDL (good cholesterol).

Remember to get regular physicals from your doctor. Through blood tests, your doctor can determine if you have elevated LDL cholesterol or if you have a genetic risk factor. Don