A diet rich in antioxidants has been shown to naturally delay and reduce the signs of aging, and eating food to slow aging is a treatment I can really get behind. Add these delicious foods to your dietary routine and see more graceful aging of the whole body, inside and out.
Blueberries
Adding these small berries to your daily diet can create huge results. Rich in vitamins A, B, and C blueberries can boost the skin’s collagen production resulting in fewer wrinkles. Anthocyanins, the flavonoid that gives blueberries their blue, is a powerful natural medicine for our bodies. Anthocyanins have anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. If that still doesn’t convince you, blueberries can also improve your memory!
Fig
If you grew up in the south, or have visited a fancy restaurant in the last five years, you know all about the fantastic fig! These mulberry related fruits contain flavonoids and polyphenols known to help in the fight against cancer and neurodegenerative issues. Figs are also high in Vitamin C, an essential nutrient for healthy, younger-looking skin.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate, consumed in moderation, supports a healthy heart, sharp brain, and thriving skin. With highly concentrated antioxidants, dark chocolate can help improve circulation in the skin, help keep skin moisturized, and even reduce inflammation of already damaged areas. It is excellent news for us that the cocoa bean has the highest antioxidant capacity among all food, so eat up! Look for bars that are over 70% cacao and enjoy a small piece daily. I like to imagine my square as an adult chewable vitamin; I get nearly as excited as I did for the Flintstones as a kid.
Broccoli
Broccoli is the perfect food to add to your daily rotation. While low in calories, this superfood is full of dietary must-haves like vitamins A and C, fiber, calcium, antioxidants, folate, and lutein. These powerful nutrients can boost the skin’s collagen production, slow the appearance of wrinkles, preserve memory, and protect vital brain cells from rapid aging.
Salmon
A clear picture of the food chain in action; salmon eat algae, which contains large amounts of astaxanthin, then you benefit from this antioxidant when you eat the fish. Astaxanthin has been shown to fight cellular damage to DNA, one of the common markers for aging. With its high omega-3 content, salmon can also ease joint pain and boost brain function. Unless you are really into collecting algae, stick to a diet containing salmon, and watch your health improve.
Avocado
Nobody tell the Millennials they might actually be right about something. Avocado is in the news a lot right now, but it deserves to be! This oft-joked about superfood is perfect for a breakfast that helps promote healthy weight, slows the signs of aging, and keeps your heart and arteries strong and healthy.
Spinach
Popeye tried to tell us, and we just didn’t listen. Spinach is packed full of nutrients we need for a healthy heart, functional joints, hydrated skin, keen eyes, and so much more. Offering Vitamins A, C, E, and K, magnesium, lutein, and iron, it may be time to turn on a few cartoons and get inspired to down a can; your body will thank you for it. Eat spinach raw, steamed, or sautéed; there is no metal can needed for maximum health benefits.
Nuts
Nuts are the perfect small snack. Not only are they portable and tasty, but they also boost brain function, slow the appearance of wrinkles, help repair skin, and assist in preventing damage from harmful UV rays. You can’t really ask for more than that from a snack. Eat almonds in moderation for a particularly high dose of Vitamin E, or Omega-3 rich walnuts for a brain boost, and smoother skin.
Pomegranate
Since ancient times the pomegranate has been recognized for its intense health and vitality properties. Packed full of vitamin C, this fruit gives a powerful boost for your skin by promoting collagen and new skin cell production. In case you weren’t convinced, pomegranate also contains punicalagin, a compound that can slow the aging of skin cells and reduce joint mobility issues.
If you take medication for low blood pressure, please speak with your doctor before adding pomegranate to your diet, as it may cause blood pressure to dip too low.
Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers contain carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that fight cancer, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy immune system. Some carotenoids are converted by the body to vitamin A, an essential nutrient for healthy eyes and graceful aging. Due to the bright red and orange colors, carotenoid-rich foods are somewhat easy to pick out. So if peppers aren’t your thing, try pumpkins, carrots, yams, butternut squash, or tomatoes for the same age-defying benefits.