Did you know that you can look up to six years younger just by eating the right foods? Think of the money you’d be saving on painful lotions, creams, and treatments that only work in the short term. Pretty amazing, right? That old saying, “You are what you eat,” certainly has merit and here are ten anti-aging foods you might want to consider adding to your daily diet.
dark chocolate
Rich in flavonoids, it’s not only a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth delight, but it will also slow down the aging process.
walnut proteins
Eating 1/4 cup (about a handful) of almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pecans a week not only fights heart disease and cancer, but will also repair cell damage and slow the aging process due to the magnesium, fats healthy and the vitamins B. and E that they contain.
pomegranate seeds
The juice contained in these seeds is rich in ellagic acid and punic alagin, two powerful agents that fight free radical damage and preserve skin collagen.
Antioxidant-Rich Berries
Cup for cup (fresh or frozen) consumed three times a week, berries have more anti-aging plant antioxidants than almost any other food. They not only reduce disease risks, but help prevent memory loss and fight wrinkle-causing free radicals. Because they are high in filling fiber, they will also help curb weight gain.
Omega omg!
Eating salmon twice a week will help regulate blood pressure, prevent heart disease, and keep skin supple due to the high content of vitamins B12 and D that these servings contain.
greens galore
You can’t meet your nutritional needs without these: spinach, kale, kale, Swiss chard, and romaine lettuce. They provide plenty of anti-aging vitamin A, which supports skin cell renewal and will keep your skin smooth and supple. Try to eat two servings a day, if you can…for example, one cup of cooked vegetables or two cups of raw vegetables.
Whole grains
These are a nutritional powerhouse that can prevent a number of health problems such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Try to eat six of the recommended daily grains a week, such as a slice of whole wheat bread, a half cup of brown rice or quinoa, or a cup of whole grain cereal every day.
colorful vegetables
One serving of yellow and orange vegetables provides five times the beta-carotene you need daily to reduce your risk of cancer, defend against colds and infections, protect your skin from sun damage, and maintain a healthy scalp and shiny, youthful hair. The potassium in these vegetables will maintain a healthy heart rate and will also lower your blood pressure. Aim for two half-cup servings a day, which can be the equivalent of one sweet potato or one cup of butternut squash or carrots.
probiotics
Yogurt (plain, low-fat, fat-free) is a great source of B vitamins, protein, calcium, and active cultures (the healthy bacteria known as probiotics), which crowd out disease-causing germs. Try to get at least four or more cups a week in your system, or supplement with an all-natural probiotic.
Beans
These are high in protein and will promote hair growth while thickening hair cells by strengthening the fibers (ie kidney, lime, pinto, white, garbanzo, black).