Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods

Bad news first: There is no way to stop the clock. The good news? It is possible to slow the process!

When it comes to looking younger, feeling healthier, and perhaps even living longer, there’s no secret – it’s as simple as choosing a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and drinking plenty of water.* Making small but intentional changes in your food choices can have a dramatic effect on the body’s biological aging process, one that can be seen visibly and felt with an increase in vitality.* Feeding your cells with these nutrient-rich foods is an excellent starting place.

1. Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a healthy aging powerhouse. Research has shown it to have cardio-supportive properties, along with powerful antioxidant activity.* It’s also been shown to support healthy skin.* With meaningful amounts of vitamin C, an essential for vibrant skin, pomegranates also contain a powerful phytonutrient called punicalagin that helps support the skin-damaging effects of free radicals. [1]

2. Turmeric

This bright yellow spice, commonly found in curries, contains the compound curcumin, which has potent antioxidant properties.* Try adding turmeric powder or ground turmeric root to soups and stews, eggs, or even smoothies. Golden milk is an increasingly popular drink that contains turmeric in a base of almond or coconut milk, with other warming spices like cinnamon and ginger. See a recipe below!

3. Avocado

When it comes to dietary fat, the majority should come from monounsaturated fats – something avocados have in spades. Hydrated, soft, and youthful-looking skin requires adequate amounts of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated, as they form the structure for skin cell walls and support healthy aging.*[2] Avocados also have vitamin E, potassium, and folic acid.

4. Berries

Antioxidant is a word synonymous with healthy aging, and berries are packed with them – the more vibrantly hued, the better. The deep purple color of blueberries and blackberries comes from antioxidants known as anthocyanins. These compounds can help maintain skin’s cellular structure, helping to prevent appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reduce oxidative damage that can accelerate signs of aging.*

5. Green Tea

Green tea is loaded with polyphenols, particularly EGCG, another powerful antioxidant noted for its healthy-aging benefits.* Research has shown green tea to have beneficial effects on triglyceride and glucose levels already within the normal range, reduce oxidative stress, and support weight management. [3] Being much lower in caffeine than black tea or coffee, it is gentler on the nervous system as well.*

6. Dark Chocolate

Cocoa beans are exceptionally concentrated with antioxidant flavonols, which have been shown to fight free radicals, promote vascular health, and improve the skin’s healthy appearance.* Cocoa has also been shown to have beneficial effects on cognitive function and mood.*[4] But before reaching for any old chocolate bar, keep in mind that most are full of sugar, additives, and low-quality cocoa that has had its antioxidant activity destroyed through the refining process. To get the most from this blissful bean, seek out true dark chocolate containing a minimum of 70% cocoa.

7. Kale

Kale is a definite superfood. This dark, leafy green shows up on most “healthiest foods” lists, and for good reason. Kale has fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to support healthy vision.*

8. Salmon

The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and other cold water fish, including sardines, mackerel, and herring, are a key nutrient for healthy cells.* Omega-3s can help improve skin cell membranes to keep your skin looking moisturized and plump.* Fish is a key part of the Mediterranean and Japanese diets, both noted for their contributions to longevity.*

9. Broccoli

Broccoli and other cruciferous veggies contain a wealth of nutrients, including sulfur compounds that help support natural body liver detoxification.* Indole-3-carbinole (I3C) is derived from the breakdown of glucobrassicin, a compound found in all cruciferous vegetables. I3C supports healthy body function. [5]

10. Fermented Foods

We are only as healthy as our gut.* Regularly including probiotic-rich foods in our diet can help optimize digestive function and the absorption of all the nutrients mentioned above.* Aim for small, daily servings of foods like plain yogurt or kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut to keep your gut – and health – in top shape.*

Golden Turmeric Milk

Ingredients

• 1½ cups coconut milk
• 1½ cups unsweetened, plain almond milk
• 1½ tsp ground turmeric
• ¼ tsp ground ginger powder or fresh ground ginger root
• 1 whole cinnamon stick or 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice, to taste)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Warm over medium heat, while whisking to combine. Heat until hot to the touch but not boiling, whisking frequently.
3. Turn off heat and taste to adjust flavor. Add more sweetener or more turmeric or ginger for a stronger flavor.
4. Serve immediately, dividing between two glasses.
5. Sip and enjoy your anti-aging beverage!

 

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.