Stay Young by Eating
Who doesn’t want to stay young? We all do and if there is anything we can do to help feel and look our best, we’ll try it, right? Well, here are some very easy ways to keep yourself young.
Olive oil
Olive oil contains mono-unsaturated fats which are largely responsible for low rates of heart disease and cancer. It also contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that may help prevent age-related diseases.
~ I always cook with and use olive oilÂ
Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in calcium, which helps stave off osteoporosis and contains “good bacteria” that help maintain gut health and diminish the incidence of age-related intestinal illness.
~I try to eat a low-fat yogurt every day as a snackÂ
Fish
Fish is an abundant source of omega-3 fats, which help prevent cholesterol buildup in arteries and protect against abnormal heart rhythms.
~I’m definitely improving in this area. I love fish and try to eat at least 1-2 servings per week. I should up it though.Â
Chocolate
Cocoa is unusually rich in flavanols that help preserve the healthy function of blood vessels. Maintaining youthful blood vessels lowers risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.
~Yum! I can easily consume a piece of chocolate per day.Â
Nuts
Those who eat nuts gain, on average, an extra two and a half years. Nuts are rich sources of unsaturated fats, so they offer benefits similar to those associated with olive oil. They’re also concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals and other phytochemicals, including antioxidants.
~Nuts are an excellent snack. I take a tiny handful with a big glass of water and I’m good to go.Â
Wine
Drinking alcohol in moderation protects against heart disease, diabetes and age-related memory loss. Any kind of alcoholic beverage seems to provide such benefits, but red wine has been the focus of much of the research. Red wine contains resveratrol, a compound that likely contributes to its benefits—and, according to animal studies, may activate genes that slow cellular aging.
~I’m not a big drinker, but when I do drink, it is almost always a glass (or 2) of red wine.Â
Blueberries
Compounds in blueberries (and other berries) mitigate inflammation and oxidative damage, which are associated with age-related deficits in memory and motor function.
~I do love berries and try to eat a few servings of blueberries and strawberries every week.
So, you see….I’m doing my best to stay young without even realizing it. How are you doing?Â
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