When we were younger, we dreaded getting older because we didn’t want to look like an old geezer.  Those of us reaching that age, though, are not nearly so concerned about how we look, as we are about how we feel.  We want all parts of our anatomy to keep working and not let us down.

The good news is that while we might be able to stave off the gray hair, and the wrinkles may appear in spite of our best efforts at skin care, there are things we can do to keep our bodies in working order.

We talked about our hearing.  We can keep it longer by making sure we get antioxidants, folate, magnesium, and Omega 3 oils.  The best way to do that is — surprise! — by eating a low glycemic diet.  If you eat lots of low glycemic fruits and vegetables, stay away from processed foods, and avoid sugar — you will not only be doing what is good for your weight, you will be doing the things that protect your hearing.

On to our eyes. There are many age-related diseases that can steal from us this most crucial of our senses.  Cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are the big three.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two crucial “eye nutrients.”  They are carotenoids that filter out harmful light wavelengths that can cause damage to your eyes.  Studies have shown that these two nutrients can reduce your risk of eye diseases.  You get them in — drumroll, please — green leafy vegetables, corn, and eggs.  Corn is in the moderate glycemic column, but, as usual, most of the foods that are good for your health are on the green list.  If you eat a low glycemic diet, you will be doing good things for your eyes as well.

More on the subject of protecting our eyes tomorrow!

Eating to live and living for Christ,

Susan Jordan Brown