In some ways, anti-aging is a hopeless pursuit. We all inevitably age. Well, if we’re lucky. We all eventually kick the bucket too. That’s just how life works.
We can’t be young and vibrant without the inevitable keeping it all in balance. However, that doesn’t mean that we have to grow old in an unhealthy way. In fact, the way we treat our bodies throughout our entire lives can greatly impact the aging process. Diet, of course, plays a monumental role in that regard. But can eating anti-aging foods really help?
When it comes to anti-aging there is no question that there are habits that will drastically speed up the aging process. These include smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and eating foods that are high in sodium, sugar, and trans fats. But eating foods that are high enough in phytonutrients like flavonoids and carotenoids (antioxidants found in a number of fruits and vegetables) can help with anti-aging and keep you feeling energetic and healthy.
A good rule of thumb to remember is to make sure that you’re getting plenty of fresh fruits and/or vegetables at every meal. The more you add these foods into your diet, the less room you’ll have for the stuff that’s not so healthy.
So what makes these foods such anti-aging treats? Credit the high levels of antioxidants including anthocyanins, vitamins like A, C, E, and K, resveratrol, and healthy fats.
Here are some fruits, vegetables, and other foods that will help your body resist the effects of aging.
Fruits
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Apples
- Avocados
- Melons (including those yummy cucumbers!)
- Winter squash (it’s technically a fruit!)
- Citrus fruits (healthier varieties contain seeds)
- Tomatoes
- Olives
- Pomegranates
- Dark chocolate (It’s technically the seed of a fruit and yes, it is good for you! Just make sure it’s at least 70 percent cacao content and low in sugar. Better yet, try raw cacao beans or nibs)
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Kale
- Spinach
- Cabbage
- Lettuces
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Beets
Miscellaneous
- Raw nuts (best when soaked in water for 6–8 hours)
- Beans (cooked from scratch, not the can)
- Green tea
- Wheatgrass juice
- Whole grains
- Seeds (particularly flax, hemp and chia)
Jill Ettinger is a freelance journalist and marketing specialist primarily focused on the organic and natural industries. This article was first published on NaturallySavvy.com
