As we age, many of us rely on visits to the doctor and seemingly endless pills to keep ourselves alive and healthy. It's no surprise why — aging really takes a toll on the body, with problems ranging from arthritis to heart disease to Alzheimer's being painful reminders that we are really not as young as we used to be. There's good news though: many of the delicious foods you're already eating might have a positive impact on your health as the years start adding up.
By now, you probably know that fresh, unprocessed foods are much better for you than all the junk you can get from a fast food restaurant or that aisle of the grocery store. We've even shown you how to prepare some of the healthiest foods in your kitchen to get the maximum benefits from them! But just as our bodies change throughout our lives, so do our nutritional needs. You can check out these superfoods that look like the body parts they benefit for an easy way to remember which stuff you should be putting into your stomach, but there are some snacks you should pay special attention to if you want to age as gracefully as possible.
Check out these anti-aging superfoods so you can fuel your body with everything you need to prevent disease, keep wrinkles away, and feel great no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake! I've always loved number 5, but I had no idea that it was so good for you!
Make sure you SHARE these superfoods with all your friends so they know how to take care of themselves as they get older!
10. Yogurt
Full of calcium to help prevent bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis, yogurt could be just what you need if you're worried about your bones becoming more brittle as you age. It's also packed with probiotics that help keep your gut healthy and prevent age-related intestinal diseases.
9. Tomatoes
These tasty red treats are packed with lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent a whole host of health problems from heart disease to cancer. They also prevent the breakdown of collagen in your skin, which means that you might not only live longer, but look younger, too! Cooking them helps release even more lycopene, so make sure to eat plenty of tomato soups and sauces.
8. Spinach
Like most leafy green veggies, spinach is full of tons of antioxidants such as lutein, which can help maintain eye health as you get older. They also contain phytonutrients, which are great for keeping cancer and heart disease away. If you're not a big fan of spinach, try out other leafy veggies such as lettuce (not iceberg) or kale.
7. Salmon
Salmon contains a ton of Omega-3 fatty acids, meaning it prevents inflammation and the breakdown of collagen. What does that mean for you? Less wrinkles, decreased skin cancer risk, and a healthier heart as you get older.
6. Carrots
All that orange comes from beta-carotine: a compound that protects your eyes, skin, heart, and bones. It can also prevent cancer and keep your immune system healthy. You should eat these veggies (and other orange vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and pumpkin) all year, but make sure you really fill up on them during the winter when it seems like everyone around you has a cold or the flu.
5. Watermelon
If you love some watermelon on a hot summer day, I have good news for you! This juicy treat is packed with antioxidants that can keep your immune system healthy and boost your metabolism. But don't just devour the pink part — the rind is actually one of the healthiest parts of the fruit, containing vitamins A, B, and C. Even the seeds are good for you. They're packed with zinc and vitamin E. Most of us can't imagine munching on seeds or the rind, but you can get their benefits by blending them into a smoothie. And of course, let's not forget that all that water in watermelon is a good way to stay hydrated.
4. Oatmeal
Whole grains in general are essential to maintaining heart health, but oats in particular are high in soluble fiber. Not only are they great for helping your gut stay healthy, but they can also reduce your cholesterol levels and keep heart disease away.
3. Broccoli
This veggie is known for being "yucky" to little kids, but you should be devouring it as an adult. It's rich in vitamin C, and it can synthesize collagen to help your skin stay firm and wrinkle-free. The lignans in broccoli can also help prevent cancer, heart disease, and cognitive disorders as you get older.
2. Coconut Oil
This special oil has gotten a lot of attention in recent years, and it's easy to see why. Like other oils, it contains a lot of saturated fat, but the kind of fat in this substance is actually good for your heart. It also contains lauric acid, which can stop bacteria and viruses in their tracks. Additionally, it's one of the only oils that is safe to cook with even at high temperatures. And to top it all off, you can even use coconut oil directly on your skin or hair to help it stay moisturized and healthy!
1. Blueberries
It's amazing that such a little fruit can have so many benefits! Blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant amounts of all fruits. They fight inflammation, so they're great for preventing cancer and a whole host of other diseases. They're also just what you need to help keep your memory strong, and they've even been proven to keep Alzheimer's away. And these little berries don't just help you feel great — they help you look great, too. All that good stuff inside them is perfect for keeping your skin, hair, and nails looking fabulous.
Make sure you SHARE these superfoods with all your friends!
