As your numerical age climbs the ladder, you want to do something to lower your mental, emotional, and physical age. You’re technically old, but there are ways you can help your body slow down the aging process, so you don’t feel like you’re old. As they say, age is just a number!
This includes activities ranging from exercise routines to habit changes to the addition of various foods to the diet. If you want to incorporate anti-aging foods into your daily life, see the expert opinion of the Medical Experts Committee. Then check your eating habits to age your body by 10 years, says a nutritionist.
“Berry is a powerful source of antioxidants that remove free radicals,” says a registered dietitian. Sidney Green, RDN.. “Free radicals are an element of aging and can cause black spots, wrinkles, dryness / dullness, etc.”
Antioxidants are commonly known for their “anti-aging” psychic powers. By reacting with free radicals, these molecules and vitamins protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. This prevents free radicals from reacting with other beneficial molecules and cells.
Different berries (and certain foods) contain different types of antioxidants. But blueberries are one of the best sources to get your nutrients.
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Watercress is a vegetable with a mild taste and flower-like appearance that contains four times as much beta-carotene as apples and 238% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin K per 100 grams. These compounds will keep your skin looking youthful.
“This green vegetable is rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients,” says a registered dietitian. Amy Shapiro, MS, RD.. “It acts as a preservative for the skin and actually helps increase the flow of minerals from this plant to the cells of the skin. Basically, it increases oxygen to the skin and prevents aging.”
Shapiro also states that watercress is rich in vitamins A and C, both of which are powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals. Watercress is also rich in calcium and keeps bones strong with age.
“Avocado is an incredible source of vitamin E,” says Green. “Vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant, supporting skin health and reducing inflammation.”
Vitamin E in avocado is also effective on the skin, nails and hair. The fatty acids in avocado help nourish the body with the fats and minerals needed to maintain healthy oil levels.
This fruit is also beneficial to your body from other illnesses that may 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 the heart.
These vegetables are rich in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that stimulates the production of collagen. It is also rich in antioxidants called carotenoids.
“Carotenoids give peppers a reddish-yellow color that helps fight inflammation and at the same time protect the skin from sun damage, pollution and environmental factors,” says Shapiro.
Bell peppers are also ideal for weight loss and are versatile. Whether they are raw or cooked, you can throw them into most dishes to give them a little extra texture and flavor.
“These nuts are rich in Vitamin E, which helps repair skin damage,” says Shapiro. “Fats help moisturize the skin and keep it resistant to UV rays that can lead to external damage.”
Shapiro further explains that almonds are also rich in fiber. It also helps prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes and promotes cognitive function in later years.
“When you think about keeping your brain sharp and young, think about the foods in your Mediterranean diet,” says Green. “Studies show that more adherence to a Mediterranean diet slows down cognitive decline.”
The Mediterranean diet is linked to stronger thinking skills later in life and becomes mentally sharp throughout the second half of life. Diet is good for your heart and leads to longevity.
Examples of these Mediterranean dishes include nuts, fish, olives, legumes and spices.
Kayla Garitano
Kayla Garritano is Eat This, Not That! I’m a staff writer. She graduated from Hofstra University with a major in journalism and two minors in marketing and creative writing.read more
