Anti-Aging Foods To Support A Long & Happy Life
By becoming a parent, you not only build the foundations of your legacy but you get to experience a lifetime of memories and moments. These experiences will unfold in a range of emotions, from the laughter of having some unexpected fun to the stresses of the teen years! Each wrinkle and grey hair should be seen a testament to the vibrant life you live, not something that should be resented and hidden away.
Our list of anti-aging foods may help support more youthful-looking skin and healthier hair, but they offer so much more than that. By taking care of your body with these fantastic foods, you allow yourself the opportunity to experience more; laugh more, cry more, and live more.
So without further ado, here is our list of anti-aging foods that will support a long and happy life.
Blueberries
Whether they are on pancakes, in smoothies, sprinkled in salads, or eaten alone as a snack; you need to add some blueberries to your life!
These sweet and vibrant berries are both delicious, nutritious, rich in Vitamins A and C; their high content of antioxidants is their popularized and primary health benefit. Antioxidants protect the body from the harmful (and aging) effects of free radicals. These are known to decrease the rate at which wrinkles form because they prevent the skin's breakdown of collagen. What's more, the vitamin C content boosts the synthesis of collagen, firming up the skin and smoothening lines.
Blueberries contain a certain type of antioxidant called anthocyanin, which is responsible for giving the berry its beautiful hue. This food's anthocyanin content is thought to be linked to the many health benefits associated with eating blueberries, such as:
- Preventing the risk of heart attacks with just 3 servings per week, as well as lower blood pressure.
- Decreasing 'bad' cholesterol ( LDL levels) while increasing 'good' cholesterol (HDL).
- Improving cognitive function, including memory & learning capacity.
- Supporting liver and lung health which assists in body detoxification.
- Reducing the risk of cancer including cancer of the breast, colon, prostate, oral concern as well as Tumor Metastasis.
- Protecting vision by maintaining eyesight.
Can you see why blueberries are one of the best anti-aging foods available? They are packed with goodness that is bound to keep you and your body living longer!
Other anthocyanin-rich foods include strawberries, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, cherries, and beets.
Bottom Line:
Blueberries are rich in protective antioxidants that prevent the aging damages of free radicals. These fruits have a particular type of antioxidant called anthocyanin that has been known to deliver many health benefits; such as increased heart health, better cholesterol, improved brain functioning, reduced risk of various types of cancer, as well as support liver and lung health and vision.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a vegetable that the kiddies tend to avoid, however, as their taste buds and knowledge of nutrition grows; so their appreciation for these healthy cruciferous stalks.
Broccoli is rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that packs a powerful punch! We're talking two oranges-worth of vitamin C and as much calcium that's found in whole milk! It also rich in vitamin K which works with the calcium content to support healthier and stronger bones.
This anti-aging food has incredible anti-inflammatory benefits preventing arthritis, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, and acne. These anti-inflammatory properties can also maintain intestinal flora and regulate body weight.
There are many health benefits when biting down on some broccoli, including:
- Supported digestion and liver health, maintaining optimal nutrient absorption as well as detoxification.
- Cancer prevention, owing to the high Sulforaphane content (which also can control diabetes).
- Encourage healthier hair and prevent hair loss because of its high content of Vitamin A & C.
- Improved sexual performance by increasing blood circulation and libido.
- Increased immunity because of its high level of antioxidants.
Other beneficial green vegetables include kale, spinach, and watercress (however this last one is invasive so try support local and sustainable farming where possible!).
Bottom Line:
Broccoli is rich in a variety of nutrients that not only support stronger bones but offers a host of powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. This green vegetable can also promote digestion, liver health, immunity, sexual performance, as well as luscious locks.
Maca
From increased libido and energy to fighting off free radicals and depression, supporting cognitive functioning to reducing menopausal symptoms; maca powder lives up to its title of being a superfood! Although this anti-aging food offers a range of hormonal balancing benefits, there are some safety and side effects that you should be aware of before you put the stuff in everything!
If Maca isn't for you, there are many incredible alternative anti-aging foods such as turmeric and moringa that also offer a host of anti-aging benefits.
Bottom Line:
Although maca powder offers a range of health benefits, too much of anything is never a good idea. Mix it up with the likes of turmeric and moringa to ensure you are getting a variety of superfood support.
Dark Chocolate
Who said we can't have our cake and eat it, too? Well, that person obviously never knew about the amazing health benefits of dark chocolate! A few of these include:
- Increased heart health owing to the magnesium and flavanols improving the cardiovascular system.
- Improved cognitive function by promoting blood flow to the brain.
- Regulate diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity.
Rich in antioxidants, this delectable anti-aging food will also help with a range of cosmetic benefits. For example, it can keep your skin smooth, supple, glowing, and detoxified as well as reduce hair loss and supporting greater volume.
Buy a bar with some almonds in it and sip on a glass of red wine; good health is going to be a good time!
Bottom Line:
Dark chocolate offers a variety of health benefits, such as increased heart health and improved cognitive function. It can also support healthier skin and hair.
Our Ultimate Take Home Message On Anti-Aging Foods
Our list of anti-aging foods may be short, but their vast range of benefits will help you live a longer life.
From supporting cognitive functioning, heart health, bone health, vision, and detoxification; these food items can also reduce the risk of cancers, autoimmune diseases, depression, and diabetes.
As we've said before, every wrinkle and grey hair has a story to tell and that should be embraced as a testament to a long and fruitful life. However, by snacking on these anti-aging foods, you can protect your skin and hair from environmental damages so you can preserve your 'pages' for more stories to come.
