Who doesn’t want to slow down aging? Everyone wants to have a long, happy, and positive life. The good thing is there are easy ways to achieve longevity by making the right lifestyle choices. Your food intake, for instance, can help slow down aging and provide your body with energy, strength, and good health. But what are the best foods to eat? Here are some foods you have to include in your diet every day:
Here Are 9 Foods That Slow Down Aging
“Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments.” – Bethenny Frankel
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are antioxidants that contain lycopene, which helps prevent various skin conditions that contribute to aging. Antioxidants remove the free radicals that cause wrinkle development. If you love to spend time outdoors, tomatoes protect your skin from harmful UV rays (along with the use of sunscreen), according to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology. Researchers learned that women who have tomatoes in their salad every day have 33 percent higher levels of procollagen that promote good skin.
2. Avocados
Avocados contain natural oils that are loaded with vitamins. These vitamins help to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. The benefits of avocado in anti-aging have been documented in various studies. This fruit has carotenoids, lutein, and other active phytochemicals that work to slow down aging and lessen the risks of osteoarthritis and cancer development.
3. Carrots
Carrots are rich in nutrients like vitamin A and beta-carotene that promote skin healing, prevent wrinkling, and rid the body of free radicals. These nutrients also prevent macular degeneration that affects vision. Carrots also have vitamin B that protects the muscles and mucous membranes. Doctors recommend eating a carrot a day for the best benefits. Consume it raw, shredded, boiled, or mashed.
4. Pineapple
Pineapple has bromelain, which helps the body absorb and break down protein. As aging makes it harder for the body to digest protein, eating slices of pineapple two or three times a week can be beneficial. This sweet and tangy tropical fruit, which is also low in calories but rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, lessens the inflammation of the muscles and limits joint pains. A cup of this fresh fruit also contains 70 percent of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C.
5. Nuts
Almonds, Brazil nuts, and walnuts are great for your anti-aging health. These foods are full of anti-inflammatory compounds. Inflammation is part of the downside of aging, which can lead to the development of chronic diseases like joint pains, cancer, diabetes, and heart conditions, as well as mental decline. The vitamins and minerals in nuts also stimulate hair growth to prevent hair loss. It has nutrients and good fats that promote bone and teeth health, lower blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system. Eat a handful of raw nuts a day as a snack. Also add them as an ingredient to desserts.
6. Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, and cherries contain high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, fiber, antioxidants, anthocyanins, and manganese. These fruits aid in bone strengthening, which sharply drops as you age. These fruits also have compounds that help with proper digestion, healthy skin, and mental cognition. Add berries to your pancakes, smoothies, cereals, and oatmeal for breakfast, or eat it fresh as a snack or dessert. A cup of berries (or about 114 grams per day) is ideal.
7. Salmon
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce body inflammation. It also has astaxanthin, a type of antioxidant that increases muscle strength and improves memory, problem solving skills, and nerve function. Grill, smoke, broil, or steam salmon for a mouthwatering and nutritious meal. You could even have it for breakfast along with mashed avocados, blueberries, and yogurt.
8. Olive oil
Olive oil is big part of a Mediterranean diet, which is one of the best and healthiest diets you can follow. The anti-aging benefits of olive oil have been outlined in a study on the journal Lipids in Health and Disease. Olive oil protects the body against diseases like cancer, dementia, and many types of heart conditions. But preferably, limit your use olive oil for cooking since it is sensitive to heat. Its beneficial compounds break down when cooked, so it is best to use olive oil for salads, dips, or sandwiches. Nutritionists recommend three tablespoons of olive oil every day.
9. Grapes
Grapes are known to trigger positive thinking and positive moods that help you feel young, according to a study in the Journal of Consumer Research. This fruit also contains polyphenolic substances that slow down the development of neurodegenerative diseases and improve cognition in aging adults. Like wine, grapes have resveratrol that can sharpen memory. Drink its juice or eat it raw for a nutritious dessert or snack.
Final Thoughts
As foods nourish your physical and mental health, making the right choices on what to eat can affect your wellbeing in the long term. Supplements and vitamins in pill form are no match for preparing and eating healthy foods. If you hope to slow down aging, it’s always best to get your nutritious needs directly from the source.
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