The best way to stay healthy and alive as long as you possibly can is to carefully monitor what you put in your body. The food you eat, the liquids you drink, and especially any drugs, tobacco, or overindulgence in alcohol - all these things can affect your health.

I say overindulgence in alcohol because some studies suggest that for some people, small amounts of alcohol, such as red wine, in moderation, may actually be beneficial. You can't say the same about tobacco. Drugs are a whole different story. There are prescription drugs that are life changing and life saving, but there are many, if not most, illegal drugs that can rot your body from the inside out.

Nobody wants to grow old and have their bodies function less ably then they did when you were younger. However, for the lucky ones, that is the reality. Those of us who are lucky to live long lives must face growing old.

The best way to maintain you energy level and youthful vitality, along with maintained good health is through food and drink intake. This is one reason why so many people are turning to all-natural foods and drinks. It is also another reason that Nopalea has soared in its popularity over the past few years. Nopalea Juice, made from the prickly pear cactus, is all-natural and has many amazing health benefits.

Testimonials show that people who drink Nopalea claim relief from everything ranging from acne to arthritis to migraines to fibromyalgia and everything in between.

The esteemed and talented Dr. Mehmet Oz has talked about how the prickly pear cactus can help people with diabetes regulate blood sugar levels. He featured the plant on his show about the seven natural wonders of the world. He did a demonstration on television and before a live studio audience showing how the fibrous nature of the plant can help filter sugar going into the body.

During another episode of his show, Dr. Oz joked about how the prickly pear cactus, think mainly its juice, can help relieve symptoms of hangover. He told this to the comedian Jimmy Fallon.

One thing is sure, the less processed foods and fewer chemical and laboratory concocted substances we put in our bodies, the better. There is no fountain of youth, but there are things each and every one of us can do to make sure our bodies stay healthy and as youthful as possible.

Along with drinking Nopalea juice, I'm sure lots of benefit can be found by shopping the outer aisles of the grocery stores. This means sticking, as much as possible, to foods in their natural state. Anything in a can or box probably isn't in a natural state. Although packaged beans and legumes are very good for you.

The other thing to remember is to think about how people who live in the Mediterranean eat - lots of fish and fruits and vegetables. There is something to this as one small country over there boasts that its citizens have one of the longest lifespans.