When it comes to holding back Father Time, we all know to use sunscreen, get good sleep, and avoid stress. But one of the best things you can do to slow aging is eat the right foods!
Aging is actually just inflammation. Over time, your body makes fewer of the growth factors that naturally defend against inflammation. That leads to symptoms like joint pain, lower energy, wrinkles, and less passion in the bedroom.
The anti-aging foods listed below have amazing health benefits, including the power of antioxidants to fight off harmful molecules that cause cell damage, aging, and a variety of diseases.1-3
Protect yourself from aging with these 7 tasty superfoods…
1. Berries
Berries get their beautiful colors from powerful antioxidants called “anthocyanins.” Anthocyanins can prevent inflammation and cardiovascular disease, plus help lower your risk of certain cancers.4 (Try them in this “berry” delicious Trio of Overnights Oats Recipes.*)
2. Dark Chocolate
Flavanols – the antioxidants found in dark chocolate – not only protect your brain and heart, they can also prevent sun damage and improve your skin.5 Enjoy a bowl of decadent, velvety Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Cacao Nibs, and you’ll be on your way to looking younger too!
3. Ginger
Ginger is a potent antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory.6 Long-term inflammation is considered THE major risk factor for age-related chronic disease, so a little ginger can have a big impact!7 I like my ginger for breakfast…
4. Nuts
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans are nutritional powerhouses full of disease-fighting antioxidants and polyphenols, plus fiber that can help reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease.8 Their omega-3 fatty acids also reduce inflammation and slow age-related cognitive decline.9,10 Translation: feel better, look better, and think better with recipes like Fresh Fruit with Cinnamon Almond Butter.
5. Legumes
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and polyphenols, it’s no surprise that legumes like beans and lentils equal longevity. In fact, one study showed that a higher legume intake was the most important dietary predictor of survival among its participants!11 Enjoy a bowl of Curried Lentils, and know you’re taking a step toward a longer, more vibrant life.
6. Artichokes
Artichokes are my go-to appetizer when eating out. They taste fantastic, help support healthy liver function, and increase levels of glutathione – the superhero detoxifier of every cell in your body.12 That cellular detox is essential to slowing the aging process, so forget complicated cleanses and try Roasted Artichoke Dip instead!
7. Turmeric
Curcumin not only gives turmeric its gorgeous orange-yellow color, this powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory shows promise in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease.13,14That’s another great reason to start your day with a protein-packed Golden Milk Latte.
With an impressive list of health benefits, these 7 foods will help you defy age and stay healthy for years to come!
*Remember, if you’re in Cycle 2 of the Sugar Impact Diet, wait to eat recipes with fruit.
Article Sources:
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2685276/
2 https://nccih.nih.gov/health/antioxidants/introduction.htm
3 https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/antioxidants-fact-sheet
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4632771/
5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/
6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26228533
7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1166571/
8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257681/
9 http://www.kalbemed.com/Portals/6/KOMELIB/GENITO-URINARY%20SYSTEM/Obsgyn/Osfit%20DHA/495.pdf
10 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23395782
11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15228991
12 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25374729
13https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24793420
14 http://www.jbc.org/content/280/7/5892
