You can't slow the march of time, but you can certainly reduce the reminders it leaves on your body. Paying attention to what you eat can do a great deal to reduce the visible impact of aging, as well as protecting your overall health from deterioration over the passing years. A nutritious, balanced diet is key, but there are also many foods which specifically help to protect against aging. Here are seven of the best.
Blueberries
Blueberries have a well-deserved reputation as a superfood boasting all kinds of health benefits. This is largely because they're packed full of antioxidants, especially flavonoids such as anthocyanin. These nutrients help to prevent cell damage, keeping your skin more supple and wrinkle-free, while also reducing the risks of many cancers in the longer term.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another excellent source of antioxidants, this time in the form of lycopene. This compound is particularly helpful in protecting your skin from the ravages of the sun's ultraviolet rays. It also boosts your body's production of collagen, which is one of the building blocks for healthy, elastic skin and strong connective tissues.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a food which isn't to everyone's liking, but it's a taste that's well worth acquiring. This dark green vegetable contains high levels of vitamin B in the form of folate, which is known to boost mental sharpness, as well as maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nail growth. Broccoli is also a great source of vitamin K, which is essential for strong bones and supple skin. Lastly, eating broccoli provides you with all the potassium you need for a healthy heart and circulation.
Tuna and Salmon (And an alternative for those who hate fish breath)
It's well known that oily fish such as tuna and salmon are among the healthiest foods around. Although oil is often seen as fattening and something to be cut down on, this isn't the entire picture. In oily fish the oil comes in the form of omega-3 fatty acids, which are brilliant at improving brain function, preventing the build-up of heart-threatening cholesterol, and keeping your skin smooth and free of inflammation.
For those that hate the fishy taste of, well, fish or fish oil pills, you can get all the benefits of omega-3s with o3 Omega Smoothies. Check out the amazing s'mores flavor, PB&J, root beer float, breakfast and breakfast with bacon!
Olive Oil
Another excellent source of healthy oil is that staple of Mediterranean cuisine, the olive. Delicious in a salad dressing or as a dip for fresh vegetables, olive oil is packed with cell-protecting antioxidants, plus vitamins A and E for supple, moisturized skin. Consuming olive oil also helps to control cholesterol levels, benefiting your heart and circulation, and helping you maintain better overall physical fitness.
Watercress
Like broccoli, watercress is full of vitamin K, which promotes a healthy skin free from wrinkles, blotches, and pimples. However, as well as working for a clearer complexion, watercress is also a great source of calcium. This mineral is vital for healthy bones, teeth, and gums, as well as helping to reduce the risk of heart and circulation problems.
Soy Products
Soy has become increasingly popular in recent years as a lactose-free alternative to dairy products, and is used in foods from plain soy milk to vegan cheese. As well as being suitable for those with lactose intolerance, it also contains a plant hormone called genistelin. This is a great way to boost your body's production of collagen, the foundation of a youthful skin free from fine lines and wrinkles.
In today's hectic society, it's not always easy to eat as balanced a diet as you'd like. However, making a point of eating more of these seven ingredients will give your body the support it needs to stay fighting fit and stave off the ravages of the years.
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