As we mentioned earlier, our cells are filled with a broth of nutrients and other substances called cytoplasm. It's where the action is where cellular machinery makes energy, synthesizes proteins, and disarms free radicals.

It's hard for cells to get the fuel they need to perform these important jobs from the typical American diet, say anti aging experts. Foods high in fat and sugar and processed foods containing additives and preservatives forms free radicals on our hapless bodies. These chemicals build up in our bodies, gradually weakening our cellular machinery

What's more, sugary, fatty foods laced with preservatives and additives tend to turn to acid in our blood, upsetting our bodies' delicate pH balance, says Dr. Giampapa. A steady diet of them acidifies our cellular soup, causing cells and tissues to age before their time.

Just as cars run smoother and cleaner on high octane fuel, we run best on foods that don't contain additives and preservatives and that keep our bodies close to a neutral pH, says Dr. Giampapa. These foods are you guessed it fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.