Introduction
As we age, it’s natural to want to slow down the aging process. But did you know that certain foods can help you do just that? Dietitians have identified six foods that have been proven to slow the aging process at any age. These foods are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help keep your skin looking youthful, your bones strong, and your body healthy. From dark leafy greens to fatty fish, these six foods are sure to help you age gracefully. Read on to learn more about these age-defying foods and how to incorporate them into your diet.
6 Foods Proven To Slow the Aging Process at Any Age, Say Dietitians
As we age, our bodies naturally start to slow down and show signs of aging. But, according to dietitians, there are certain foods that can help slow the aging process and keep us feeling young and healthy. Here are six foods that dietitians recommend to help slow the aging process at any age.
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radical damage. Free radical damage is one of the main causes of aging, so eating blueberries can help slow the aging process. Blueberries are also high in fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy and functioning properly.
2. Avocados
Avocados are high in healthy fats, which help keep your skin looking young and supple. They are also high in fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy and functioning properly. Avocados are also high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radical damage.
3. Nuts
Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, which help keep your skin looking young and supple. They are also high in fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy and functioning properly. Nuts are also high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radical damage.
4. Salmon
Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep your skin looking young and supple. Omega-3 fatty acids also help protect the body from free radical damage. Salmon is also high in protein, which helps keep your muscles strong and healthy.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radical damage. Green tea is also high in polyphenols, which help keep your skin looking young and supple. Green tea is also high in caffeine, which can help boost your energy levels.
6. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radical damage. Dark chocolate is also high in healthy fats, which help keep your skin looking young and supple. Dark chocolate is also high in fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy and functioning properly.
Eating these six foods can help slow the aging process at any age. So, if you want to stay young and healthy, make sure to include these foods in your diet.
As your numerical age climbs the ladder, you want to do anything to keep your mental, emotional, and physical ages lowered. Although you’re technically getting older, there are ways you can help your body slow down the aging process, so you don’t feel like you’re older. As they say, age is just a number!
This can include activities ranging from an exercise routine to changing your habits, to adding different foods to your diet. If you’re looking to incorporate some age-reducing foods into your daily routine, check out what some of the professionals on our Medical Expert Board have to say. Then, check out Eating Habits Aging Your Body By a Decade, Say Dietitians.
“Berries are potent sources of antioxidants that will scavenge free radicals,” says registered dietitian Sydney Greene, RDN. “Free radicals are one component of aging and can contribute to things like sun spots, wrinkles, and dry/dull skin.”
Antioxidants are commonly known for having “anti-aging” superpowers. These molecules and vitamins protect cells from the damage caused by the free radicals by reacting with the free radicals. This prevents the free radicals from reacting with other beneficial molecules and cells.
Different berries (and certain foods) contain different types of antioxidants. However, blueberries are one of the best sources to get your nutrients.
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Watercress is a mild-tasting and flowery-looking vegetable that contains four times more beta carotene than an apple, and 238% of your daily recommended dose of vitamin K per 100 grams. These compounds keep your skin looking youthful.
“This green veggie is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients,” says registered dietitian Amy Shapiro, MS, RD. “It acts as a skin antiseptic and actually helps to increase the flow of minerals from this plant to the cells in the skin. Basically, this increases oxygen to the skin and prevents aging.”
Shapiro also mentions that watercress is high in vitamins A and C, which are both powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals. Watercress is also rich in calcium, which will keep your bones strong as you age too.
“Avocado is an incredible source of vitamin E,” says Greene. “Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant as well and can support skin health and decrease inflammation.”
The vitamin E in avocados also helps to benefit the skin, fingernails, and hair. The fatty acids found in avocado help to nourish the body with the fat and minerals it needs to maintain healthy oil levels.
This fruit is also beneficial for your body from other ailments that could cause your body to age more rapidly. This includes potentially lowering blood pressure, lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome, lowering “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, and protecting your heart.
These veggies are rich in vitamin C—a powerful antioxidant that helps promote collagen production. It is also high in antioxidants called carotenoids.
“Carotenoids give peppers their red-yellow color and fight inflammation while also helping to protect the skin from sun damage, pollution, and environmental factors,” says Shapiro.
Bell peppers are also great for weight loss and are versatile to use. Whether they’re raw or cooked, you can throw them into most dishes for a little extra crunch or flavor.
“These nuts are high in vitamin E which helps repair skin damage,” says Shapiro. “The fat helps to keep skin moist and resistant to UV rays which lead to external damage.”
Shapiro further explains that almonds also are high in fiber. They can also help to prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and promote cognitive function in later life.
“When thinking about keeping your brain sharp and young, think of foods found in a Mediterranean diet,” says Greene. “Studies suggest that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with slower cognitive decline.”
The Mediterranean diet has been linked to stronger thinking skills later in life, keeping you mentally sharp throughout the later stages of your life. The diet is also positive for the heart and has been linked to a longer life.
Some examples of these Mediterranean foods include nuts, fish, olives, legumes, and spices.
Kayla Garritano