03 Feb Foods that keep you young
Age may be just a number and we can’t stop the counter, but we can fight the aging process. Knock a few years off by tweaking your diet with these foods proven to be full of anti-aging properties.
Fruits
Berries are stocked with antioxidants. These yummy snacks neutralize damaging free radicals and help the body manufacture collagen, leaving your skin firm and smooth.
Blueberries are soaring in popularity because of the amount of vitamin C and E they contain. These vitamins fight aging by ridding the body of harmful chemicals that have long-term, damaging effects on our organs.
Eating kiwifruit will not only help maintain clear skin, it will also promote healthy bones. One cup of peeled kiwifruit contains more vitamin C than the equivalent amount of oranges.
Vegetables
The more colorful the better. Bright veggies like tomatoes and carrots are stocked with phytonutrients and antioxidants, both of which protect against damaging free radicals. The beta carotene and lycopene found in them also protect your skin from sun damage and repair skin cells.
Tofu and edamames, favored by vegetarians, contain natural phytoestrogens that help keep skin resilient and may even actually slow down the aging process.
Another great (and affordable) vegetable choice is spinach, with an exceptional lutein content which helps keep our eyes healthy and bright. Spinach also has tons of vitamins, including vitamin B9, which aids in the production and maintenance of new cells, including red blood cells.
Fats
The oil found in avocados works to toughen your skin, while also hydrating it. Another perk? Avocados are full of monounsaturated fatty acids – a type of fat that is healthy for the cardiovascular system because it doesn’t promote inflammation.
Wild salmon is an anti-aging remedy for your mental health. The omega-3 fatty acids improve your memory and brain function while reducing inflammation. Choose wild salmon over farmed to avoid the higher fat levels and chlorinated pesticides that farmed salmon often contain.
Vitamins and minerals
You already know low-fat yogurt is full of protein and calcium, but yogurt contains other vital nutrients as well. The vitamin B in yogurt is essential for multiple body functions, including cell growth and division.
Zinc, copper and selenium are also required for collagen production, says Simpson. To stock up, choose foods like chicken, lean beef, walnuts, chickpeas, and dried fruits. Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system, and selenium helps your skin retain its natural elasticity.
Oysters are also full of zinc and selenium, and the high levels of these minerals serve as an antioxidant and help protect you against eye-related disease.
Spices
Rosemary is rich in phytochemicals that increases levels of ceramide in the skin, which helps to retain moisture and elasticity.
Ginger, turmeric, cocoa, cayenne, and cinnamon have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body. They also help balance blood sugar and can be easily incorporated into beverages or even food.
