Anti-aging refers to more than just your appearance. It refers to your overall mental health, physical well-being, and longevity. As we get older, things start to happen within our body and make us more prone to wrinkles, degenerative diseases, and other health issues. Luckily, there are certain foods that you can consume to help counteract the negative effects aging causes on the body and make you more healthful. Continue reading to discover 15 of the best anti-aging foods that providers of Functional Medicine Burbank also recommend.
- Tomatoes: The pigment that makes tomatoes red, lycopene, has been proved to reduce risk for some cancers and cardiovascular disease. Other studies have shown that higher levels of lycopene also lead to greater self-sufficiency.
- Broccoli: Broccoli and broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane which helps clear hazardous toxins from the body by increasing the production of enzymes.
- Carrots: Incorporating at least two cups of carrots into your daily diet drastically boosts your intake of beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A for healthy eyes, skin, and hearth health and helps prevent osteoporosis. Gain these benefits more with regular appointments for Los Angeles Functional Medicine services.
- Blueberries: Blueberries contain a chemical known as anthocyanins which improve cognition and memory when absorbed into the brain’s membranes.
- Walnuts: A study shows that regularly eating walnuts helps lower your resting blood pressure and your blood pressure when it reacts to stress. They may also slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s by preserving mental skills. A provider of Functional Medicine Studio City also offers services to slow down memory decline in older adults.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkling a little of this spice on your food will help promote collagen synthesis in the skin which will help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Dark Chocolate: The flavonoid “epicatechin” in dark chocolate has been linked to reducing the risk for heart disease and age-related Dementia. Compared to red wine, dark chocolate even has twice the amount of antioxidants.
- Fish: Fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines provide the body with omega-3 fatty acids which boost heart health and help keep the brain sharp. The American Heart Association recommends consuming at least two servings of fish per week.
- Avocados: Scientists have concluded that avocados are an alkalizing food that has the potential to help battle heart disease and cancer. Additionally, avocados are high in Vitamin E which is crucial to youthful skin and hair.
- Garlic: Garlic not only boosts the immune system, but it also has other anti-aging benefits such as reducing inflammation and maintaining cell health.
- Pomegranates: These nutritious fruits are an excellent source of powerful antioxidants known as ellagitannins and anthocyanins. These antioxidants help regenerate skin cells to reduce the visible signs of aging. Pomegranates also have the potential to prevent prostate cancer and breast cancer.
- Kidney Beans: Abundant in folate, potassium, magnesium, and more, kidney beans can reduce the risk of heart attack by 70 percent. They also offer the body a plethora of antioxidants which are known to have anti-aging properties.
- Apples: The most concentrated part of the apple (the peel), contains heavy amounts of quercetin which is an antioxidant that can protect the brain from damages that are commonly seen in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Soy Milk: Two or three cups of soy milk a day provides your body enough calcium and Vitamin D to lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, and soothe menopause symptoms. It may also help reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Kale: This leafy green can decrease your risk of heart disease and age-related macular degeneration. The carotenoids in kale also help in protecting your eyes. Eat at least three cups a week to reap the benefits.
The secret to living a longer and healthier life is hiding right in your fridge. The previously listed anti-aging foods are the best of the best when it comes to combating disease and reducing the visible signs of aging. Get more anti-aging tips from Functional Medicine Doctors. Find them at Functional Medicine Los Angeles. Get in touch!