Superfoods to the Rescue: 6 Foods with Anti-Aging Properties

There are many products to help prevent and reverse signs of aging, but perhaps the best tool we have is our diet. The foods we eat can have a huge impact on how we age. Though there is no magical food to make you look younger, several foods have anti-aging properties that can help you whisk away wrinkles and smooth those lines. The next time you're at the grocery store, pick up a few of these superfoods.

Leafy Greens

No surprise, vegetables are great at preventing signs of aging! Leafy greens, such as spinach, may slow cognitive decline. They're rich sources of vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta-carotene, which are key micronutrients that help keep mental faculties sharp.

The good news is, you can use leafy greens for almost any kind of meal. Mix them into a salad or smoothie, or just have them as a simple raw snack! If you're looking for a new dinner recipe, try making this filling buckwheat salad.

Blueberries

Blueberries are incredibly rich in antioxidants, which can help repair the age-associated damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries not only prevent skin-related signs of aging, but they may also help improve our memories as we grow older.

Grab a handful of blueberries for a refreshing snack. You can also blend them into a smoothie or prepare them in a tasty treat. We love these blueberry crumb bars.

Avocados

Avocados are popular for many reasons, one being that they're a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids. These healthy fats help the body absorb nutrients such as beta-carotene—one of the few nutrients that prevent cognitive decline. Avocados also contain specific sugars and antioxidants, which build collagen in the skin to eliminate wrinkles, heal scars, and reduce age spots.

If you're looking for a delicious and fun way to get more avocados in your diet, try this chlorella guacamole, a fresh and creamy dish you can whip up in no time.

Walnuts

Like avocados, walnuts are high in phytochemicals such as polyunsaturated fatty acids. These chemicals reduce and prevent inflammatory pressure on the brain. Additionally, walnuts—a true brain food—may help to increase the brain's activity and slow the aging process.

Munch on a raw handful as a snack, throw a few on top of a salad, or satisfy your sweet tooth with these candied walnuts.

Flax Seeds

Another food packed with antioxidants, flax seeds also have omega-3 fatty acids, which make these tiny seeds a powerful dietary choice to help prevent aging.

Looking for a healthy dessert option? Try this no bake lemon cheesecake, which features flaxseeds and other nutritious ingredients.

Cucumbers

Refreshing and versatile, cucumbers are an anti-aging superfood because of the incredible number of nutrients they have. Most notably, these crunchy vegetables contain silica, which is essential for healthy connective tissue. Cucumbers are also full of water, which help hydrate the body, leaving skin looking young and smooth.

You can also chop up some cucumbers for a salad—we recommend this broccoli quinoa salad. They also make for a light and enjoyable snack on their own.

Your diet is important for your mental and physical health—not just now, but for the future as well. Eating more of these superfoods can help slow the signs of aging, making you look and feel young.

Concerned about your bone density? Try adding these calcium-rich foods to your diet.

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