Eat delicious food, feel and look younger. It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But these anti-aging foods are proven powerhouses when it comes to battling the effects of aging. While you can get the same benefits from supplements, your body will absorb the macro- and micronutrients much better when they’re delivered in whole, natural—and delicious—foods. So dig in for some of the best anti-aging foods on the market!
Sweet, delicious figs are naturally high in flavonoids and polyphenols. Those scary-sounding compounds are both antioxidants that help limit cell damage. They’re also packed with fiber—and we all know that’s a good thing. In addition, they’re a good source of magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Plus, they’re just plain delicious.
Do you even need to be convinced to eat more chocolate? A small amount of dark chocolate can provide anti-aging benefits. The key is to choose a chocolate bar that’s very high in cacao—at least 70 percent. The higher percentage of cacao means more of the good stuff in chocolate in less of the sugar and fat found in lighter bars.
By now, you’ve probably heard that salmon is a healthy protein choice. Cold-water fish like salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can combat inflammation throughout your system. Protein helps build muscle mass and collagen, both of which make you look younger.
It sounds a little intimidating, but bone broth is actually a delicious and incredibly nourishing superfood.
Despite their diminutive size, blueberries are absolute powerhouses when it comes to health-boosting nutrients. A recent study compared blueberries to 40 other common fruits and vegetables, proving that the berries have the highest concentration of antioxidants. Researchers at Tufts University also found that anthocyanin—the compound that makes blueberries so blue—may help with memory and balance!
The delicious, leathery-skinned green fruits (yes, they’re fruits!) are filled with vitamins A and E. Those vitamins help keep your skin looking young and healthy, so dig in! Avocados are also filled with vitamin K, folate, and copper, plus they’re stuffed with good fats and low in sugar.
Nuts are a good source of both types of unsaturated fats—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated—which can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. While pecans, walnuts, and chestnuts are some of the best choices, recall that peanuts aren’t actually a tree nut and don’t have the same benefits. Our top pick is the delicious, if expensive, macadamia nut.
Turmeric is a rich yellow spice that’s long been a staple of many national cooking traditions, especially Indian curry. It’s also one of the best nutritional powerhouses out there. Turmeric contains an anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin—studies have shown curcumin to be as effective as some anti-inflammatory medications on the market. Inflammation contributes to many of the common signs of aging—everything from those aches in your joints to the wrinkles on your face—so look into adding this spice to your cupboard. You can also find turmeric teas or capsule supplements.
