Seven Secret Agents That Can Help You Live To 120

You know about Vitamins A,C, D, E ,and the B's - about how they boost the immune system and help the body repair itself. Well, that old hat. There are supplements now that are so far ahead of those that it's like comparing a model-T car to the space shuttle. This stuff is the real cutting edge in nutrition and we've got them for you right now. Are you ready to slow down the aging clock? Here we go.

1 - Alpha-GPC. This nutrient, derived from soy, provides high levels of choline, which protects brain cells. It also increases levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which triggers an increased release of HGH (human growth hormone). This hormone is naturally present in the human body when we're young but decreases steadily as we age. Studies have shown that increased HGH can reduce body fat, boost energy levels, and restore youthful immune function.

In animal studies, alpha-GPC corrected age-related brain decline. In human studies it helped stroke victims retain cognitive functioning and improve mental functioning and mood of people with dementia. Dose: 600 - 1200 milligram.

2 - Ashwagandha Root. This herb is used extensively in Ayurveda - the traditional medicine of India. It stimulates immunity and, as an antioxidant, rescues cell-damaging free radical. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to be helpful with such inflammatory conditions as arthritis. increased oxygen-carrying hemoglobin, which rejuvenates cells. In addition, 70% of the men in the study said that their sexual performance improved - some men even reported fewer gray hairs.

3 - Beta-Glucan. This nutrient is derived from baker's yeast, young rye plants, and medicinal mushrooms. It activates macrophages - key immune cells that fight bacteria and other disease-causing organisms. Beta-glucan enhances the effectiveness of conventional antibiotic therapy. It acts as a free-radical scavenger, removing cells damaged by exposure to radiation, chemotherapy, and environmental pollution. It also lowers total and LDL (bad) cholesterol which increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. It also reduces risk of infection by stimulating white blood cell activity. Dose: 300 mg to 1,000 mg. per day.

4 - Lemon Balm. Lemon balm is an important anti-oxidant. It contains a high concentration of phenols - chemicals that fight cell-damaging toxins. This herb can improve sleep, decrease the pain of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, boost mental functioning, and combat viruses and bacteria. Avoid if you have glaucoma. Dose: 1,000 mg. to 1,500 mg. per day.

5 - Omega-3 fatty acids. Also called essential fatty acids (EFAs), omega-3 fatty acids aren't manufactured by the human body and must be supplied by diet or supplement. They are found primarily in fish but are present in smaller amounts in green, leafy vegetables, soybeans, nuts, and flaxseed and canola oils. Omega-3s decrease blood level of triglycerides (bad fats) and homocysteine (an artery-damaging amino acid) and lower blood pressure. They help thin the blood, preventing blood clots - lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. Omega-3s also act as anti-inflammatories, helpful in the treatment of such autoimmune diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. They are the building block of the outer layer of brain cells and may help treat depression. Dose: 3 g. to 10 g of fish oil capsules a day. It is extremely difficult to get sufficient omega-3 through dietary sources. The best sources are mackerel, salmon, sea bass, sardines, anchovies, and tuna. 6 - Evening Primrose oil. Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. The active ingredient is gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-6 fatty acid.

As the body ages, it loses its ability to convert dietary fats into GLA. Supplementing with evening primrose oil is important in combating the general effects of aging. It also may help in treating rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, nerve damage, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's-related memory problems. Dose: 3,000 mg. to 6,000 mg. daily.

7 - Resveratrol. This naturally occurring anti-oxidant is found in many plants - including the skin of grapes. Red wine is the main dietary source. Resveratrol decreases the stickiness of blood platelets, reducing the risk of blood clots. It may help prevent the development and progression of various cancers. Red wine provides little, if any resveratrol (less than a milligram per glass. Supplements provide 15-20 milligrams per serving.

Dr. Jeffry Weiss, Ph.D.

Jeffry Weiss attended Drexel University (B.S.), Temple University (M.B.A.), The University of Pennsylvania (M.A.), and Clayton College (PhD, Naturopathic Medicine). These institutions, and his own independent studies, have provided him with unique insights in the realm of health and nutrition. Visit our Website for more information: http://www.why-we-eat.com