Youthful Aging: The Top 8 Foods for a Younger You
Growing old is a fact of life, but it doesn’t have to be OLD. You can age very youthfully with the right knowledge put into action. Nutrition is an important key to slowing down the aging process. Choosing the right foods can dramatically slow this fact of life to a snail’s crawl.
Nutrients are what are needed to create optimal cellular function to reduce the signs of obvious aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, dull skin, lifeless hair, a lean body, brain power, vibrant energy and much more. Youthful aging also means an optimized immune system that will help reduce low-level inflammation in your body.
Here are the Top 8 Foods for a Younger You:
Blueberries
Blueberries contain a plethora of youth-preserving antioxidants. They are a rich source of anthocyanins, an antioxidant that increases the potency of vitamin C – the nutrient that builds new collagen and improves
Avocados
With their smooth buttery texture, this fruit is loaded with age-defying vitamin C and E – both necessary for keeping the skin luminous and for maintaining glossy hair. Avocados are also high in monounsaturated fat that helps to burn belly fat. Avocados are also one of the richest sources of magnesium necessary for muscle contraction and optimal blood pressure levels.
Globe Artichoke
Artichokes are fantastic for assisting the body to detoxify. They contain cynarin, which increases bile flow and improves liver function. This means optimal digestion (absorption of nutrients as well) and the breakdown of types of fat. Artichokes are also an excellent diuretic – relieving bloat or water retention
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are high in “good” fats and super high in selenium – a mineral that keeps us young and healthy. The high concentration of oleic acid is excellent for beautiful skin and reduces inflammation. Selenium is also activates glutathione – the master antioxidant that destroys harmful free-radicals.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin has high levels of carotenoids and antioxidants that stave off premature aging. The bright orange color in pumpkins are the active youth promoting carotenoids necessary for sun protection. Vitamin C is another potent super skin ingredient by increasing collagen growth.
Quinoa
Quinoa, (considered a grain, but is really a seed) is a complete non-meat protein source that helps tissues to repair and grow. Quinoa contains a spectrum of different B-vitamins necessary for optimal health and youthfulness. Quinoa is a source of high energy fuel that helps prevent fatigue and hair loss.
Eggs
Eggs pack a powerful punch when it comes to anti-aging. They have all eight essential amino acids necessary for all growth and repair in the body. Cellular repair is critical to youthfulness. They are also rich in vitamins A, B, D, E and zinc. Zinc is necessary for healthy youthful skin. Eggs are also a rich source of choline that is necessary in helping the body convert fats to acetylcholine.
Green Tea
Green tea is dense with bioflavonoids that neutralizes the damaging effects of free radicals and fights premature aging both inside and out through the fantastic antioxidant bioflavonoids. Not only is green tea a superb youth-promoting beverage, it also ramps up your metabolism and immune system.
Green Tea and Peach Energizer
2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
6 cups cold water
6 green tea teabags
Sprigs of mintPut the peaches in a pot, add the water and bring to a boil. Put the tea bags in a large pitcher, pour the water and peaches over them. Steep for 6 minutes. Leave to cool, then refrigerate to chill. To serve, pour the tea and peach slices into glasses and garnish with mint.
Aging is inevitable, but aging youthfully is an art. If you want to stay fitter, live longer, feel better and look younger now and later, add at least one of these foods to your daily diet.
To Your Health,
~Lori
© 2013 DLS HealthWorks, LLC.
Lori Shemek, PhD, Health and weight loss expert, is the best-selling author of Fire-Up Your Fat Burn!