Many scientists are starting to think of aging as something that might not be as inevitable as previously thought. Rather, aging is increasingly being defined as a medical condition. A medical condition caused by the wear-and-tear of daily life. And possibly…a medical condition that can be prevented (or at the very least managed).
While we wait for scientists to develop therapeutics that will be the heavy hitters when it comes to anti-aging, there’s a lot we can do now to combat the abovementioned wear-and-tear on our bodies.
One way is to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that can help your body to repair the damage caused by normal day-to-day living.
Foods that contain large amounts of these key nutrients are called “superfoods”. Following are fifteen superfoods that can help your body combat the effects of aging.
Avocados
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats (a.k.a. “good” fats). They are also rich in vitamin E and potassium. Avocados help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (like vitamin D), and they support skin and heart health.
Berries
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are all full of potent antioxidants called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins protect your cells from oxidative stress, which is one of the main causes of age-related cell damage.
Broccoli
Like other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli is full of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. These help to repair oxidative damage to cells and help to remove toxins from your body.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate that has more than 70% cacao contains an abundance of flavonoids that support heart and skin health.
Fatty Fish
This category of fish includes salmon, tuna, trout, and sardines. Fatty fish are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart heath, brain health, and skin elasticity.
Garlic
Garlic contains an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound known as allicin. Allicin supports immune system health and cardiovascular health.
Green Tea
Long known for its health benefits, green tea contains health-promoting compounds called polyphenols. One of these, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is a powerful antioxidant.
Leafy Greens
Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are just a few examples of this superfood group. Leafy greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. They also support eye health, and they can help to protect your skin from UV light damage.
Mushrooms
Certain types of mushrooms, such as reishi and shiitake, can help to boost your immune system.
Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds are just a few examples from this group of superfoods. They provide vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to support heart and brain health. They also help to preserve skin elasticity.
Pomegranate
Full of vitamin C and antioxidants, pomegranates support collagen production for healthy skin and connective tissues.
Sweet Potatoes
These root vegetables are dense in vitamins and fiber. In particular, they contain beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are full of lycopene, an antioxidant that helps your skin to combat sun damage and certain cancers.
Turmeric
This is an Indian spice that is full of curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Turmeric can help to reduce inflammation and preserve joint health.
Yogurt
Like other fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut, yogurt contains probiotics that can support gut health and digestion.
Take Care When Adding New Foods to Your Diet (Even Superfoods)
Superfoods are just food. But still…it never hurts to use a bit of caution when adding something new to your diet (particularly if you’re prone to food allergies). Start small, give your body time to adapt, and build from there as tolerated.
Have question about healthy aging? Renew Youth is here to help. Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our convenient contact form to sign up for your free 30-minute consultation.