I’m sure you have heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” It is vital that we eat healthy, nutritious foods everyday to keep our bodies functioning. But, did you know that there are foods that can actually help you age better? We have compiled a list of delicious foods for anti-aging and creative ways to eat more of them!
1 . Blueberries
Blueberries provide an abundance of antioxidants that protect your skin from free-radicals. Free-radicals are skin-damaging molecules that result from sun exposure, stress, and pollutants. The protective qualities are what make blueberries one of the best foods for anti-aging!
Snack Tip:Throw some fresh blueberries in your morning yogurt with granola and other fruit for a quick and healthy breakfast or blend it all together for a delicious smoothie on-the-go!
2. Citrus Fruits
Did you know that humans are the only mammals that cannot produce their own Vitamin C? Vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining your skin’s youth and brightness! This is why it is so important to include a serving of citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, in your diet.
Snack Tip: Orange Lemonade is packed full of Vitamin C and is a refreshing treat on a hot Summer day! Combine freshly-squeezed orange and lemon juices with water, sugar, and slices of the tangy fruits for the perfect Summer treat!
3. Avocados
This versatile vegetable is full of fatty acids that fight inflammation and keep your immune system in check! You have probably heard of people taking Fish Oil supplements, avocados have similar benefits as these supplements and taste great in a variety of dishes!
Snack Tip: Use your avocado as a spread! Mix mashed avocado with lemon juice, salt and pepper for a quick spread to be used on pretzels, celery, sandwiches, wraps, and more!
4. Broccoli
You may be saying, “No way!” when it comes to eating broccoli, but it can actually improve your skin by providing Vitamin C, prevent osteoporosis by providing calcium, and it is an anti-inflammatory! If those reasons are not convincing enough, it also aids in weight loss by providing fiber and other detoxifying nutrients!
Snack Tip: Prepare an on-the-go snack tray with broccoli and other fresh veggies such as carrots, celery, cucumber, and bell peppers with a little bit of ranch or a dressing of your choice!
5. Watermelon
Have you ever wondered why watermelon are red on the inside? It is because they are packed full of lycopene, the naturally occurring pigment in fruits that give them their red color. Lycopene is also great for humans, as it works as a powerful antioxidant that will fight oxidative damage ( AKA damage to your skin that can result in improper cell function)! Studies have also shown that lycopene can reduce your risk for cancer and heart disease. Another HUGE benefit is the amount of water contained within the fruit. Eating a serving of watermelon every day will keep you and your skin hydrated all summer long!
Snack Tip: Simply slicing open a fresh watermelon and taking a big juicy bite is probably the go-to for most of us, but if you’d like to try something totally different, dice your watermelon and throw it into a fresh salad for some extra flavor and texture!
6. Pineapple
Nothing screams “summer” like a bowl of fresh pineapple on a warm afternoon! Not only is pineapple very hydrating and refreshing, but it is full of Manganese. Manganese is a vitamin essential to activating the enzyme, Prolidase, that plays a huge role in the formation of collagen, which is what maintains your skin’s firmness and elasticity!
Snack Tip: Slice your pineapple into rings, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top, and throw them on the grill for the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert at your summer BBQ!
It is important to take care of your body by eating right, exercising, and getting proper sleep. These foods are a wonderful addition to your regular healthcare routine! If you have any concerns about your healthcare or aging needs, please visit our Consultation page to set up your FREE personal consultation with Dr. Burkenstock!
