- 8 Best Anti-aging Foods that Can Make You Look and Feel Younger -

Amy Taylor February 21, 2018

While most vegetables and fruits contain different kinds of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, there are certain foods that are loaded with high amount of antioxidants which can boost your health and make you look and feel younger. Adding these ‘anti-aging’ foods in your regular diet can be a great way to improve not just your health but your appearance as well.

Green, Leafy Veggies

Broccoli, lettuce, asparagus, peas, and other green, cruciferous vegetables contain high amount of essential compounds and nutrients that promote good health. They are rich in calcium, folate, and antioxidants. Health experts have long investigated the effects of green leafy vegetables and many have found that these veggies can help improve health in so many ways. Broccoli for instance, was found to have anticancer properties. In 2010, experts from the University of Leicester revealed that greens are rich in magnesium which helps lower down the risk of diabetes. Crucifers like cabbage, radish and spinach are perfect for salad. If you want to maximise the benefits of green and leafy veggies, it is better to eat them raw or half-cooked.

Avocado and Apricot

Avocado is best eaten fresh and raw. It can be mashed and mixed with milk or cream, or be eaten as it is. This very nutritious fruit has tons of omega-3 and is considered as one of the highest alkalising foods available. It’s also rich in vitamin E which helps promote good skin and shiny hair. Furthermore, it is believed that avocado has the ability to remove toxins in the body and help treat breast and prostate cancer.

Scientific studies have shown that apricot possess high levels of carotenoids (another type of antioxidants) which are necessary for the body to absorb and convert beta carotene to vitamin A. Vitamin A is necessary for good vision, healthy hair, gums, and glands.

Berries

Berries come in so many varieties. We have strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and so on. They are great toppings for popular pastries like cakes, pies, and breads. But other than their rich flavour, berries were found to contain the highest levels of some antioxidants as compared to other fruits. Berries contain phytochemicals and colour pigments that are linked to improved memory and lower risk of cancer. These fruits are also rich in flavonols and quercetin which have anticancer properties. In an animal study, it was shown that consuming berries regularly can reduce the central nervous system deficits which are seen in aging (Bickford et al., 1997).

Tomatoes

Tomatoes have long been linked to beautiful skin. In a German study, researchers asked a group of volunteers to take a daily shot of tomato paste mixed with virgin olive oil while another group was asked to take plain olive oil. They had this routine for 10 weeks. After having been exposed to UV light, the participants who consumed tomatoes had 40% less sunburn as compared to those who only had plain olive oil. The reason behind this effect is lycopene – a substance that protects the skin from sun damage. Tomatoes are best consumed with oil because the latter helps in the absorption of lycopene.

Wild Salmon

Many people love salmon, also called the ‘steak of the sea’. Aside from being so delicious, salmon is one of the healthiest seafood you can eat. Wild salmon tastes really good and fills up your stomach quickly. It is also loaded with antioxidants which make you healthier and younger. Basically, antioxidants are responsible for repairing damaged cells which then leads to a beautiful, younger-looking skin. Wild salmon is loaded with astaxanthin which is known for having anti-inflammatory properties. It also boosts your thyroid which keeps your body in good shape.

Olive oil

Olive oil is the best type of oil used for salads. It is fully packed with essential fatty acids like omega-3 which keeps you lean and healthy. Omega 3 fatty acids are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to lower down cholesterol and improve blood circulation.

Raw almonds

Almonds have rich taste and aroma. They can be used as flavours for many dishes as well. This popular nut is found to contain high amount of vitamin E. In fact, just a handful of raw almonds are equivalent to your daily body requirement for vitamin E. While it’s more convenient to consume processed almonds, the raw form of this nut is still the healthiest.

Do you know of some other foods that have anti-aging effects? Feel free to share your comment below.

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