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Anti-Aging Agents In The Produce Aisle
Antioxidant-Rich Fruits, Veggies Turn Back Clock

Erik Nelson, Special To Channel 300

April 6, 1999

MEDFORD, Mass.

New research shows turning back the clock may be as easy as taking a trip to the grocery store.

U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers at Tufts University have slowed -- and even reversed -- the aging process in rats by feeding them diets fortified with certain fruits and vegetables, reported CBS News.

"We prevented both some brain and some behavioral changes that one normally sees in these rats when they hit 15 months," USDA spokesman Jim Joseph said. Foods such as blueberries, strawberries, spinach, and kale are all high in orac value, a measure of antioxidants in food. Other foods with high in orac value include prunes, raisins, brussel sprouts, blackberries, plums, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli florets, beets, red bell peppers, oranges and red grapes.

Middle-aged rats fed a high-orac diet had less memory loss. Even more amazing, the older rats began walking like younger rats. Researchers credit free radical-fighting antioxidants.

"It's pretty well accepted that aging is due to the production of free radicals, so anything we can do nutritionally to provide additional antioxidants is likely to protect us in the process of aging," said USDA researcher Ron Prior.

The findings are preliminary, and so far apply only to rats. But researchers said it's possible a daily serving of leafy greens, blueberries or strawberries are a valuable addition to an already healthy diet.