It may be impossible to stop the clock and actually become younger, but looking and feeling younger can be achieved by consuming the right anti-aging diet. Incorporate these ten foods into your diet regularly, and you could reap benefits like increased energy, more youthful looking skin, a sharper mind, a powerful immune system, a healthy heart, and a happier, healthier outlook on life.
10 Ideal Foods for Your Anti-Aging Diet
1) Cold-Water Fish
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Cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which actually slow down the biological processes that cause aging. The omega-3s in these fish help to preserve healthy brain function, which keeps you sharp as you age, they keep your skin moist and supple and they reduce your risk for all sorts of age-related diseases including heart disease, cancer and arthritis.
2) Berries
Berries are high in a specific type of antioxidants called polyphenols. Polyphenols help to protect your brain from oxidative damage, which helps to keep your brain in top shape as you age. The antioxidants in berries also help to prevent free radical damage to your skin, and to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Try incorporating deep-colored berries in your anti-aging diet, since they have higher levels of antioxidant properties, such as currants, blueberries, and blackberries. Blueberries have also been shown to help repair vision as well.
3) Leafy Green Veggies
Leafy greens are high in folate, which helps to prevent cognitive decline as you age. Their high phytonutrient content helps to maintain healthy eyesight. Leafy greens are also low in calories and carbohydrates and high in fiber, which means they fill you up and help you maintain a slim, youthful looking body.
4) Avocados
Avocados are loaded with the healthy–fat oleic acid, which ironically enough helps to boost the metabolism of fat in your body. Avocados are also high in antioxidants, they help prevent wrinkles and aging skin and they help your body absorb nutrients from the other foods that you eat.
5) Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds can help boost your brain power and prevent the brain fog that is sometimes associated with aging. They may also support a healthy nervous system and encourage a happier mood. Plus, most nuts and seeds are rich in arginine which stimulates the pituitary gland and increases the production of anti-aging growth hormones in your body.
6) Olive Oil
An incredibly effective addition to any anti-aging diet, olive oil helps to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk for heart disease, which remains the number one cause of death in America. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, olive oil may also reduce your risk for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and other sorts of age-related diseases.
7) Yogurt
Yogurt and other probiotic-rich foods contain beneficial bacteria that help to maintain a healthy digestive system and reduce your risk for digestive disorders, allergies and weight gain. There is also a connection between your intestinal health and your brain health, and preliminary research suggests that probiotics may help to protect your emotional health as you age and reduce your risk for depression and dementia.
8) Chocolate
America’s favorite treat is a rich source of the flavanol antioxidants. Flavanols help preserve healthy blood vessels and lower the risk for heart disease, type-2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia. Chocolate also helps boost feel good hormones, keeping you happy as you age. Just be sure to consume chocolate in moderation, and to choose chocolate that is low in sugar and high in cocoa percentage, because it is the cocoa that is responsible for those positive health benefits.
9) Traditionally Raised Lean Meat
Organic lean meat such as chicken and turkey, are protein rich and provide you with all of the essential amino acids that you need for good health. Lean meat also increases feelings of satiating and helps preserve lean muscle mass, preventing weight gain as you age. Grass-fed beef also has lower calories and heart-healthy Omega 3s.
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10) Green Tea
An essential addition to any anti-aging diet plan, green tea is a potent source of antioxidants which prevent oxidative damage to the skin and help slow premature aging. The antioxidants in green tea also help to prevent your cells and DNA from free radical-induced damage. Drinking green tea is associated with a reduced risk for atherosclerosis, cancer, high cholesterol, diabetes, liver disease, obesity and inflammatory bowel disorders.
