Do you know that you can actually look younger, with the help of anti-aging foods? Anti-aging foods not only negate the effects of aging, but also help build immunity and protect you against illness. Here are six superfoods that will help you fight aging.
Garlic:
Garlic is one of the best foods for anti-aging as it provides a variety of health benefits. Garlic, whether consumed raw or cooked, can boost your immunity. It also lowers cholesterol, keeps blood pressure, heart diseases, certain types of cancers and other infections under check.
The incidence of colds and flu can be decreased drastically by including garlic in your diet. Use garlic in salads, seasonings, soups, pizza toppings, etc. However, do keep in mind, that consuming more than three cloves of garlic everyday can cause serious side effects.
Therefore, it is recommended that you discuss with your doctor before taking garlic consistently.
Greens:
One theory of aging, the FRTA (Free radical theory of aging) states that aging happens because of free radical-damage taking place in the cells over the years. The oxidative damage that occurs in the cells can be reduced by antioxidants.
Dark greens are rich in antioxidants and help fight aging. Spinach, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, etc. should be included in your anti-aging diet. Prepare dishes out of them; use them as dressings in salads, seasonings, soups, etc.
Nuts:
Nuts like almonds, walnuts etc are rich in Vitamin E, and contribute to younger-looking skin. Vitamin E is essential as it protects the cells from damage caused by UV rays, air-pollution etc. Nuts are also abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent diseases common to aging.
Cruciferous vegetables:
Cruciferous vegetables, the family of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, turnips, etc. are great best anti-aging foods. These contain phytochemicals and are a powerhouse of vital nutrients. They safeguard the heart by protecting heart valves, arteries and fight against certain types of cancers, age-related macular degeneration and eye-related disorders. So include them in your diet, by having at least one serving of these vegetables every day. The best form to consume any of these vegetables is raw or lightly steamed.
Eliminate sugars from your diet:
Sugar is one of the most potent substances, which can speed up aging. The sugar or fructose can increase sugar levels, induce fat growth around organs, destroys insulin sensitivity and can contribute to age related disorders. Do not go for artificial sweeteners either. You can use honey in place of sugar, but in moderation.
Omega-3 fatty acids:
These are some “must haves” in an anti-aging diet. They reduce wrinkles, soften dry skin, reduce the incidence of hardening of arteries, and prevent cancerous cell growth in the body. Some of the foods abundant in these fatty acids are flax seeds, avocado, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, tofu, etc.
Apart from these foods, focus on a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly and get your customary eight hours of sleep. Drink 6-8 glasses of water to flush out toxins from the body. Reduce stress with relaxation techniques. These can include mediation, listening to music, going for a walk and being with nature.
