Eternal Youth with These Anti-Aging Foods
Can you believe scientists have discovered the elixir of youth – for mice – and have begun tests on humans?
Scientists in the US claim to have discovered a natural compound in avocado, broccoli and cucumber that has “remarkable anti-ageing effects,” but this has not been their first try.
It has been a long time since man has tried different options and methods to find the elixir of youth and the secret of long life. Diet is one of the most effective ways to combat aging symptoms and achieve longevity. Eating a healthy diet is not a secret. It is a constant advice that many of us ignore. Foods that we consume daily can play an influential role in increasing our lifespan.
We will introduce some of the best anti-aging foods for seniors here.
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Split Peas
It does not matter how much you eat green and yellow beans as long as they are in your diet when it comes to longevity. The results of a study published by BMJ show that eating cooked split peas and other legumes – a vital component of the Mediterranean diet – can slow the aging process at the cellular level. Researchers believe that fibre and antioxidants in split peas and other legumes have the potential to increase longevity.
Walnuts: The Best Choice for Anti-Aging
Eating nuts is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. According to a study published in BMC Medicine journal, people who eat nuts three times a week, especially walnuts, live two to three years longer. People who eat walnuts have a significantly reduced risk of cancer and heart disease, two major factors that put people at risk of death as they age. Also, walnuts are one of the foods that can make you smarter and prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Read more: Best Foods to Prevent Cancer in Old Age
Yogurt
Yogurt has a lot of calcium and prevents osteoporosis. It also contains “good bacteria” that are beneficial for gut health and diminish the incidence of age-related intestinal illness. Yogurt can also smooth skin, soothe the stomach, and help lower blood pressure. Add yogurt to your diet for better life quality and longevity.
Plant-Based Proteins
You do not have to skip meals that contain meat, but adding a few lean meals a week can help extend your lifespan. According to a study by the American Nephrological Association, adding plant-based protein to your diet can increase your lifespan, especially if you suffer from kidney problems. Foods such as quinoa, rice, beans, soy, tofu, and buckwheat add the benefits of fibre, vitamins, and minerals to your diet.
Carrots
Different types of carrots are considered healthy foods, and it is not surprising that they are useful for humans. But did you know that carrots not only extend your life but also help you maintain a more attractive appearance? Researchers at the University of Glasgow have found that carotenoids in carrots, which give them a light orange colour, can slow the aging process and make a person more attractive even during old age.
Anti-Aging Benefits of Sardines
The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics study found that omega-3 fatty acids have significant longevity benefits and help reduce heart disease and diabetes risk. While you can find these magical compounds in various fatty fish, sardines are one of the best-known sources. Just one serving of these small fish can meet half of your daily requirement of omega-3 fatty acids and 400% of your daily requirement of vitamin B12, another effective anti-aging nutrient. Because sardines are small, they are at the bottom of the food chain and are less likely to be contaminated with various toxins than larger fish such as tuna or salmon.
Nuts and Anti-Aging
Never underestimate the anti-aging power of nuts. Nuts are a perfect source of unsaturated fats and various vitamins and minerals. Not only nuts such as almonds can boost the appearance of the skin, but also they are perfect for improving immunity and health. Hence, they are great to be added to the diet to achieve longevity.
Coconuts
Coconut is another fruit that acts perfectly in terms of anti-aging benefits. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark show that eating a diet high in healthy fats, including the medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut, slows the brain’s aging process. They act by protecting against DNA damage. The study was performed on mice, but researchers said coconut could have similar results for humans and help keep the brain young.
Sweet Potatoes
According to researchers, sweet potatoes play a unique role in the human diet due to their longevity-enhancing properties. Sweet potatoes, which are available in various colours, contain high levels of anthocyanins. Anthocyanin is a compound that can reduce cancer risk and increase human life expectancy.
Chocolate and Anti-Aging
Chocolate is one of the most popular and beloved foods worldwide. Scientists have found that consuming suitable varieties, especially dark chocolate, can help prolong human life. It is a good source of resveratrol, a powerful anti-aging compound that can reverse cellular aging signs. It is recommended for seniors to eat dark chocolate to achieve longevity.
Chilli Peppers
If you have no problem with pepper’s spicy taste, this food is the right choice for your heart and longevity. A study found that the elderly who regularly consumed red chilli peppers were 13 percent less likely to die from any cause than other people.
Capsaicin in pepper can improve blood flow, boost metabolism, and protect against bacteria associated with inflammation and disease. Inflammation is a critical factor in rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, etc. Besides green and red chillies, other types of hot peppers such as cayenne and tabasco are also high in capsaicin.
Read More: The Best Cooking Oils for the Elderly
Pomegranates
Pomegranate has extraordinary anti-aging potential for seniors. According to French researchers, this fruit can also play a role in increasing human life expectancy. The molecule Urolithin A in pomegranate is transformed by gut microbes. It enables muscle cells to protect themselves against one of the leading causes of aging. Undoubtedly, eating pomegranates is one of the most delicious ways to increase longevity.
Very informative. The information about chocolate was new to me. I didn’t know it had anti-ageing effects. Good thing I like it. However, I have heard that dark chocolate also helps seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Is that true?
Thank you for this article. But the question is, how soon do you have to start including these foods in your diet? I mean, is it late to start caring about anti-ageing foods when you are considered middle-aged? I’m 45, and I’m just showing fine lines and wrinkles. I don’t know if I should give up or try to make them less visible.
I read somewhere that blueberries are antiaging since then; I have included them in my diet somehow. But how effective are antiageing foods in the 60s?
Whenever I search for Anti-ageing foods, I come across green tea. They even use it for face masks. I haven’t tried any yet, mostly because I’m kind of allergic to green tea. I’m not even sure if it’s an allergic reaction; when I drink green tea, it’s like I’m having coffee jitters, any tips? I don’t want to miss all the benefits.