The Whole Food Blog

Anyone trying to achieve natural weight loss with a focus on cutting calories will also enjoy the anti-aging benefits.  Recent studies have shown that one of the most important steps people can take to increase longevity is to simply eat less.

This idea of consuming fewer calories is vital to natural weight loss and the anti-aging benefits provide extra motivation.  Animal studies have reported a 20- 40% increase in life span and significant delays in age-related health issues such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and brain atrophy. (source: www.low-caloriediet.com)

“This finding suggests that even slight moderation in intake of calories and a moderate exercise program is beneficial to a key organ such as the liver, which shows significant signs of dysfunction in the aging process,” said Christiaan Leeuwenburgh, Ph.D., an associate professor of aging and geriatric research at the University of Florida College of Medicine. (source: Medical News Today/Cutting Calories Slightly Can Reduce Aging Damage – http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/43060.php)

Other natural weight loss studies have revealed that Japanese people live longer because they consume fewer calories than those in the most developed nations.  An interesting note about this research is that adopting a reduced calorie diet in middle age proves just as beneficial for anti-aging as continuing one from birth.

For calorie reduction and natural weight loss, Resveratrol is gaining recognition.  This substance is high in antioxidants and is commonly found in grapes, giving wine its reputation as a healthy drink.  It is also found in greater concentration in Japanese knot weed.  Resveratrol has been linked to reduced calorie intake, lower cholesterol and greater longevity.  Nutrition experts have said that Resveratrol is the most important discovery since antibiotics and may very well be the most powerful tool for natural weight loss.

Both herbal supplements and mineral supplements have been used in various forms throughout history.  In the United States, medicines and foods are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are tested for safety before being placed on the market.  Herbal supplements, however, fall under a subcategory of “dietary supplements” and are regulated under a different set of rules.  For this reason, it is important to do some research before choosing the appropriate herbal or mineral supplement for a particular diet.

When considering which supplements might be appropriate, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine can be an excellent resource.  In addition, the herbal supplements manufacturer or mineral supplements distributor should be able to answer questions regarding their products.

Another method consumers have in protecting their health is to be cautious.  When taking a particular mineral supplement, for example, the user should follow the recommended dosages and keep a record of what is being taken and the benefits and any side effects experienced.  In addition, supplements produced outside of the U.S. may not be held to any FDA regulations and can contain ingredients not considered safe by FDA standards.  The NCCAM keeps a list of supplements that are currently under review, so double checking this resource helps the consumer avoid questionable choices.

The addition of both herbal supplements and mineral supplements to one’s diet can have considerable benefits.  With a little common sense and a desire for safety, herbal supplements can offer a natural alternative to many pharmaceuticals on the market today.