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100 Percent Grass-Fed and Grass-Finished Beef
Like wild salmon, grass-fed beef is an excellent source of high-quality omega-3 essential fatty acids as well as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Grass-fed beef is up to three times leaner than grain-fed beef, and can have up to 15 fewer calories per ounce than meat from a grain-fed cow. In grass-fed beef, omega-3 fats comprise seven percent of the total fat content as compared to only one percent in grain-fed beef.
Greek Yogurt
The origin of fermented foods and cultured milk products, such as yogurt, goes so far back that it is rumored to predate recorded history. This is perfectly in keeping with my philosophy that the most ancient foods have survived for a reason — they continue to be instrumental to the survival of our species. Fermented and cultured foods may well represent our first experience with what researchers now call “functional” foods — foods that actively promote optimal health.
Cinnamon
Active ingredients in cinnamon trick the cell into mounting its own defense against aging. Just a quarter teaspoon per day unleashes a hugely protective set of genes, flooding the cell with antioxidant enzymes and anti-inflammatories, blocking a host of age-accelerating diseases, while fighting infections, lowering blood sugar, blocking wrinkle formation, enhancing youthful cellular function and blocking the deadly skin cancer melanoma.
Walnuts
Walnuts are high in alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that is protective to the heart and circulation. This fat has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and fatal arrhythmias in various studies. Walnuts are especially helpful because they contain ellagic acid — the cancer-fighting polyphenol antioxidant also found in pomegranates and red raspberries. Ellagic acid has been clinically shown to cause apoptosis (cell death) in certain cancer cells and has exhibited anti-carcinogenic effects against a wide range of carcinogens.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Made up of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which increase thermogenesis (fat burning), increase energy, lower cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular disease.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil has proven healing properties when taken internally. Since the time of ancient Rome, olive oil has been used as an emollient. The polyphenols that are found abundantly in olive oil are extremely efficient and multifaceted antioxidants. Polyphenols are exceptionally stable and protective. The most powerful member of the olive oil polyphenol group is hydroxytyrosol. Extremely rare, and effective in even small concentrations, this super antioxidant anti-inflammatory has been proven to be effective in improving general health and appearance. When used topically, olive oil results in smoother, more radiant skin. Olive oil is rich in oleic acid, which is a super emollient. The essential fatty acids present in olive oil nourish the skin and provide anti-inflammatory activity.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is an excellent source of phytonutrients known as catechins. Cocoa has many benefits to the body, including the skin. A chemical from cocoa protects skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure and prevents the skin from aging. For optimum health benefits and enjoyment, choose extra dark chocolate, at least 70 to 85 percent cocoa content. Also choose non-Dutched cocoa, as the process of alkalinization or “Dutching” cocoa significantly reduces the amount of flavanols in cocoa. By weight, cocoa has more antioxidants than blueberries, green tea or red wine. Chocolate and cocoa protect the cardiovascular system, significantly reducing the incidence of atherosclerosis. Chocolate is also similar to the blueberry in that it affords protection to our brain. As we know, substances that are neuroprotective are also therapeutic to the skin in what I call the brain-beauty connection.
