June 9, 2010 2:55 PM

Drinks to Stop the Clock

By
CBSNews
(CBS)  Toast to youth this summer.

On hot summer days, many of us reach for beverages that are full of sugar and processed foods, but they can age your skin.

On "The Early Show," Frances Largeman-Roth, senior food and nutrition editor of Health magazine and a registered dietician, suggested some tasty alternatives that could stop the clock on aging.

Largeman-Roth said the summer season is a special time to capitalize upon fresh produce at your grocer and farmers markets.

"You can stay away from processed foods all summer because of all this stuff that's ripe and accessible -- no reason to grab stuff in a package," she said. "If it's processed, most processed foods will have preservatives and are high in sodium, which we know we should cut back on."

Largeman-Roth said anyone can benefit from her healthier beverages.

She explained, "When we developed these recipes, who we had in mind is our average reader, 35-50 and female. But they could be great for anyone, young or old, male or female. They are a refreshing and healthy way to get more whole foods into your diet."

"Early Show" Recipes Galore

Largeman-Roth suggests drinking (or eating) these anti-aging ingredients at least once a day to look younger.

"The caveat with beverages is that people tend to over-consume," she said. "We try to keep the portion size smart. You don't want to drink your calories, so make sure this is part of your daily calorie intake."

All About Largeman-Roth's suggested drinks:

1. Tropical Treat Smoothie

Active anti-age ingredient: MATCHA.

Why it's good for you: Rich in nutrients, antioxidants and chlorophyll, the health benefits of matcha exceed those of other green teas-drinkers ingest the whole leaf (in powdered form), not just the brewed water. One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of green tea in terms of nutritional value and antioxidant content. Also it has no calories.

The powerful antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in matcha green tea is 137 times greater than the amount of EGCG in regular green tea.

The ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of antioxidants within matcha green tea is exponentially higher than other foods known for their high antioxidant levels such as blueberries and spinach. The ORAC rating of matcha is 1300 units/g, compared to 105 units/g for pomegranates and 91 units/g for wild blueberries.

2. Very Cherre Spritzer -- (Not available elsewhere online)

Active anti-age ingredient: CHERRY JUICE.

Why it's good for you: Inflammation inside your body leads to premature aging and illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. That means foods that fight inflammation-like tart cherries-could add years to your life. In a recent study, researchers found that giving whole tart cherries to lab rats reduced two common markers of blood vessel inflammation by up to 50 percent. The cherry eaters also gained less weight and experienced big drops in cholesterol.

3. Double C Smoothie

Active anti-age ingredient: VITAMIN C

Why it's good for you: This smoothie has 158mg of vitamin C, which is more than 100% of the RDA. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and helps fight free-radical damage-both inside the body and when applied to the skin.

4. Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

Active anti-age ingredient: PEANUTS (RESVERATROL). The first major (and all-natural) anti-aging phytochemical.

Where you'll find it: We've all heard about the benefits of resveratrol in wine, but that's not the only source. The roots, stems, leaves, shells, and seeds of peanut plans Are also high in this antioxidant. Peanut butter is a great source!

Why it's good for you: Preliminary research suggests that resveratrol can lengthen the lives of mice. Will it work for you? It's too soon to know, but red grapes (plus mixed berries, peanuts, and a little red wine) are the best sources of this promising ingredient.

This magic phytochemical shows signs of preventing damage to blood vessels, reducing "bad" cholesterol, and preventing blood clots.

5. Blackberry-Banana Slim Down Smoothie

Active anti-age ingredient: BANANA

Why it's good for you: Bananas aren't just for making a bowl of bran cereal less boring. They are rich in vitamin B-6 something your body may need more of as you age, especially if you're a woman. Researchers found that women of childbearing age, particularly those taking oral contraceptives, are much more likely than men to have inadequate amounts of vitamin B6. The nutrient is necessary for estrogen metabolism, researchers say, and the Pill adds more estrogen to your body.

B6 is also vital for red blood cell function, a healthy immune system, and normal brain activity; low levels can lead to a form of anemia. Another B benefit: Research in the journal Neurobiology shows that boosting B12 intake could reduce the risks of Alzheimer's. Bananas, baked potatoes, and chicken are good sources of B6; eggs, meat, and milk are high in B12. Bonus: Bananas help keep you full with resistant starch!

For anti-aging drink recipes, go to Page 2.


Copyright 2010 CBS. All rights reserved.
Add a Comment
by VirtualC June 19, 2010 10:46 PM EDT
Cant wait to try one i think my son would even like the peanutbutter cup!!
Reply to this comment
by Confusied June 9, 2010 9:40 PM EDT
Why did you talk so much about MATCHA when it's not even listed as an ingredient in the Tropical Smoothie Recipe???????
Reply to this comment
by VirtualC June 19, 2010 10:44 PM EDT
yes it is. 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon
by Living_the_High_Life June 9, 2010 1:50 PM EDT
Reading about all these drinks is making me thirsty....I want a beer
Reply to this comment
by thesevenveils June 9, 2010 4:07 AM EDT
An occasional smoothie is okay, but I can't see drinking one of these on a hot day as a thirst quencher. Maybe freeze them and put them on a stick. But if I were serious about ingesting these anti-aging agents I'd just take a few capsules of the active ingredients daily.
Reply to this comment
by tsigili June 8, 2010 10:40 AM EDT
Nothing stops the clock. Not much even slows it down. You are either graced with longevity, or you aren't. (Which is a dubious grace, at best, considering the condition of the planet.)
Reply to this comment
by displeased June 8, 2010 7:10 PM EDT
I disagree. I think exercise is the fountain of youth. You can't stop aging but you can slow down the affects.
by amdelaney June 8, 2010 9:54 AM EDT
Please explain how these drinks are healthy with the high carbohydrate levels in each drink. I understand that antioxidants help to bring down inflamation but aren't you creating inflamation by the high carbohydrate levels? Please explain.

Thank you
Reply to this comment
by snowballcat June 8, 2010 8:32 AM EDT
I am allergic to soy and cannot have tofu. Is there something I can substitute for the tofu in the tropical fruit smoothie? That drink sounds really good and I would love to try a soy-free version.

Thanks.
Reply to this comment
by thesevenveils June 9, 2010 4:09 AM EDT
Try milk and/or yogurt. That's what is typically in a smoothie.
.
Scroll Left
Scroll Right More »
CBS News on Facebook