Introduction
As we age, our bodies go through many changes. Our skin becomes less elastic, our bones become more brittle, and our metabolism slows down. To combat these changes, it is important to maintain a healthy diet. Eating the right foods can help slow down the aging process and keep us feeling and looking our best. In this article, we will discuss the best anti-aging diets according to science, and provide tips on how to incorporate them into your daily routine. We will also provide some helpful tips on what to avoid in order to keep your body healthy and youthful. So, if you’re looking for ways to stay young and vibrant, read on to learn more about the best anti-aging diets according to science.
The Best Anti-Aging Diets, According to Science — Eat This Not That
As we age, our bodies go through a variety of changes. From wrinkles to gray hair, our bodies are constantly changing. But one of the most important changes that happens as we age is the way our bodies process food. Eating the right foods can help slow down the aging process and keep us feeling young and healthy.
So what are the best anti-aging diets according to science? Here are some of the top diets that have been proven to help slow down the aging process:
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular diets for anti-aging. It focuses on eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil. This diet also includes moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy. Studies have shown that following a Mediterranean diet can help reduce inflammation, which is a major factor in aging.
DASH Diet
The DASH diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It is a diet that is focused on reducing high blood pressure. This diet includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. It also includes limiting sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars. Studies have shown that following the DASH diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other age-related diseases.
MIND Diet
The MIND diet stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. It is a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. This diet focuses on eating foods that are good for the brain, such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains. Studies have shown that following the MIND diet can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other age-related cognitive decline.
Flexitarian Diet
The Flexitarian diet is a plant-based diet that includes some animal products. This diet focuses on eating mostly plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It also includes some animal products, such as eggs, dairy, and fish. Studies have shown that following a Flexitarian diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
These are just a few of the best anti-aging diets according to science. Eating a variety of healthy foods can help slow down the aging process and keep you feeling young and healthy. So make sure to include these diets in your meal plan to help you stay healthy and age gracefully.
The food that you eat can affect your health in various ways, including the fact that it can help to keep you looking youthful and feeling the same way. Now, researchers have determined which anti-aging diets work best.
In results that were published recently in the journal Science, researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle and Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, California, did a review of popular anti-aging diets—such as caloric restriction, ketogenic diets, and fasting, as well as protein and amino acid restriction—and found that they appear to be effective when it comes to their beneficial aims.
For instance, Science notes that “[r]educed caloric intake without malnutrition is the oldest known lifespan-extending intervention,” and modern studies have “established and confirmed the benefits of caloric restriction” when it comes to “increased life span” as well as fewer instances of age-related disease and “functional decline.”
Related: The Best Foods to Slow Aging After 50, Dietitians Say
When considering the findings, Melissa Mitri, MS, RD, of Wellness Verge, tells Eat This, Not That!: “Maintaining good nutrition alone can be effective in delaying the aging process.” However, when it comes to specific anti-aging diets, the one “that is the most researched is a continuous calorie restriction, and while there is some promise into the anti-aging benefits of intermittent fasting, the research is still conflicting,” Mitri says.
At the same time, restricting your diet too much isn’t the way to go either as “it’s still important to consume enough calories to fuel your body and provide energy,” Mitri says. “In general, maintaining a healthy weight and not overindulging is the best way to go.”
As for what foods possess anti-aging properties, Mitri suggests red bell peppers, berries, broccoli, leafy greens, nuts, avocados, sweet potato, and pomegranates.
Beyond your diet, Mitri suggests that “regular exercise—both physical and mental—helps keep you young. Reducing stress levels and maintaining social connections also help support healthy aging.”
To find out more about what you can eat to keep you looking and feeling young, be sure to read 26 Best Anti-Aging Foods. Then, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more of the latest health and food news!