Anti-Aging Remedies: Cocoa, Red Wine, Green Tea & More

NEW YORK (WLNY) -- Dr. Steven Lamm, internist and faculty member at New York University School of Medicine, walks us through some of the best, simple, natural things you can do on your journey to better health and longevity.

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1) Cocoa--has a long legacy as a super food--The Kuna Nation from Panama is a great example. Amazing health benefits backed by prodigious published research. These indigenous people consume more cocoa than any others in the world--3-4 cups a day--and their cardiovascular and overall health indices are amazing compared to people living on the mainland.

2) Red wine is as old as the hills. Remember the "fruit of the vine" from the Bible. The resveratrol found in red wine has been found to create many significant anti-aging benefits. Now, resveratrol is available in supplement form from red wine and Japanese knotweed sources.

3) Green and white teas are loaded with healthful polyphenols that not only provide antioxidant protection to the cells, but also contain L-theanine, which some say creates a relaxed meditative-like brain state. No wonder green tea has been a staple in Zen monasteries.

4) Krill, flax seeds, omega-3s--Eskimos have thrived on a high fat diet filled with blubber--but their cardiovascular health has traditionally been superb. The reason? Omega-3s. Lots to share on this topic.

5) Sunshine and Vit D -- The lack of sunshine in northern climates, plus our deficient Standard American Diet, and latest advice to avoid sunlight, are the perfect Rx for Vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight is perhaps the most ancient and powerful life-giving ingredient on the planet.

6) For libido--Maca and Horny Goat Weed have amazing restorative properties.

7) Willow bark--the precursor for aspirin, has obvious anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This remedy has been around for a very long time.