For thousands of years, individuals have been in search for the elusive fountain of youth. One such famous search was conducted by Ponce de Leon in the early 1500’s. The mythical legend spoke of miraculous waters and those that drank from this fountain would never age but would maintain the beauty of youth. The water was never found and so the fountain of youth remained only a legend.

Despite the fact that this miraculous water was never located, the quest for a miraculous anti aging elixir that would maintain our youthfulness has not been quenched. Today, many products and procedures claim to reverse or slow down the aging process. These products and procedures include natural remedies, creams, injections and plastic surgery.

However, the most natural of all substances may be found in the foods that we eat. These foods may be the natural solution to help in the anti aging process. These foods can be broken down into two basic categories. Those categories include fruits and vegetables.

Certain fruits have shown promising results in the anti aging process. Those fruits include apples, strawberries, grapes and raspberries. Researchers have discovered that these particular fruit products contain ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is a nature’s natural insect repellent found in various plants

Through the benefits of a daily diet of these fruits, this specific acid has demonstrated the capacity to hinder the growth of tumors within the body. This hindrance of tumor growth is accomplished by the ability of the acid to minimize the enzymes, within the body, that are utilized by mutated cancer cells.

Other fruits that contain valuable anti aging ingredients are cantaloupe, peaches and apricots. These fruits contain antioxidant properties known as lycopene. These antioxidants guard the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally these fruits have demonstrated their effectiveness in protecting certain organs of the body. These organs include the heart, bladder and skin.

Additionally, a fruit that can aid in the anti aging process of the skin is the apple. Initial testing has indicated that apples stimulate the production of collagen. The production of collagen is necessary for the skin to maintain its elasticity which can minimize the wrinkling of the skin.

Some vegetables have also demonstrated their ability to fight the anti aging process. Vegetables such as carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes have also demonstrated antioxidant capabilities.

One other group of vegetables, when eaten, that has demonstrated their effectiveness in blocking the production of particular enzymes. These anti aging vegetables include soybeans and alfalfa sprouts. The substance found in these vegetables is known as genistein. Genistein inhibits the production of enzymes that have been identified as stimulants that activate the cancer genes.