Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods

Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods

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Slowing down the aging process and delaying the onset of age-related conditions may be possible by blocking pathways that lead to inflammation. Fortunately, the healthy foods that fight inflammation are appetizing and easily accessible. Your best chance to live an active and long life is to avoid unhealthy foods that cause inflammation and learn about which foods provide proper nutrition and antioxidants to help fight disease. Anti-aging foods have proven beneficial at a microlevel or provide protection against degenerative conditions, guiding you toward a healthier road of successful aging and better health.

1. Blueberries

Blueberries have been shown to delay aging and promoting longevity. Most research on the health benefits of blueberries focuses on their cognitive benefits, protecting memory-associated regions in the brain from oxidative damage and slowing age-related damage to brain cells.

Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, a compound credited for its anti-aging effects, limiting cellular damage caused by of free radicals and preventing a large array of ailments.

2. Dark Chocolate

The 2010 Dietary Guideline Committee concluded that adding moderate amounts of dark chocolate in addition to a healthy, balanced diet can provide anti-aging benefits. Since dark chocolate is high in calories, eating a small piece of chocolate with the highest percent of cacao (70–90 percent) is enough to help slow the effects of aging, according to research published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling.

3. Nuts

Eating nuts as part of a balanced diet can add years to your life by helping prevent chronic disease, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Nuts contain both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and both compounds have been associated with reduced heart disease and type 2 diabetes risk. Because all vascular factors have been related to cognition, nuts may have the potential to slow cognitive decline in older adults.

Some of the best nuts to consume for anti-aging include chestnuts, walnuts, pecans and more.

4. Figs

Figs nutrition is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which are responsible for strong antioxidant properties that help prevent various of oxidative stress-related medical conditions, such as hepatic and neurodegenerative issues.

5. Collagen Protein

Collagen is the most important and abundant protein in the body, keeping it healthy and young for a long time.

For instance, research from Beijing University’s Department of Food and Nutritional Hygiene at the School of Public Health in China investigated the protective effects of marine collagen peptides (MCPs) on the skin of aged mice. Researchers concluded: “The results showed that MCPs might play a protective role on skin aging by improving the activity of antioxidant.”

In addition, marine collagen, with its high antioxidant content, has been used in beauty products in order to repair or prevent damage caused by environmental factors or aging process.

6. Chaga Mushrooms

Chaga mushrooms produce a diverse range of active components, such as antioxidants, antitumoral and antiviral properties. They also hold compounds for improving human immunity against infection of pathogenic microbes.

The polyphenols in chaga are the principles for quenching free radicals, making these mushrooms protective antioxidants, according to research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

7. Salmon

Salmon has high amounts of astaxanthin, a super antioxidant and carotenoid known for its unique anti-aging benefits. Astaxanthin is produced by algae, bacteria and fungi, and it concentrates higher up the food chain as these primary producers are consumed for food.

A good amount of emerging research has found that astaxanthin benefits brain health by preserving cognitive function. A review published in GeroScience also noted that the neuroprotective properties of astaxanthin may be due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

8. Bone Broth

Bone broth seems to be very popular these days, especially when concerned with bone health. Bone broth nutrition is packed with over 19 easy-to-absorb, essential amino acids and nonessential amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), collagen/gelatin (which help form connective tissue) and nutrients that support digestive functions, immunity and brain health.

It also contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, the compounds sold as expensive supplements to reduce inflammation, joint pain and arthritis.

9. Avocado

Avocado has been in the spotlight recently as a superfood, containing phytochemicals and important essential nutrients to prevent the negative effects of aging. Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which are key compounds into keeping your arteries healthy and young.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-aging and skin-lightening properties, and it has been used in cosmetics formulations for centuries. According to extensive research, including studies published in Immunity & Ageing, the curcumin in turmeric may help against aging of the joints, brain and other neurodegenerative conditions.