We’d all love a miracle cure to prevent aging forever–both in terms of beauty and brains. Unfortunately, that miracle cure doesn’t actually exist (at least not yet, anyway). However, there are a few ways to keep your brain functioning to the best of its ability and your face looking as youthful as possible, and that includes switching up your diet. As it turns out, there are many foods (namely processed varieties like these) that can take a serious toll on your health by causing chronic inflammation, which often leads to premature aging. While cutting these foods out is one major step towards a healthier body and brain, adding anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich foods to your plate can also do wonders.
To discover some of the best antioxidant-packed foods that can help reduce inflammation and slow aging, we spoke to Joanna Wen, certified health coach and founder of Spices and Greens. She told us that avocados and walnuts are two options you should definitely consider. Learn more about these superfoods below!
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Avocados
Avocados are a superfood that are fantastic for so many areas of your health–and as it turns out, Wen says you can add anti-aging to the list! “Avocados are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and monounsaturated fatty acids, which help combat inflammation and reduce cellular aging,” she says.
Although this fruit is packed with numerous vitamins, Vitamin is one of the best ingredients for younger-looking skin. “Vitamin E found in avocados helps protect the skin from sun exposure and other environmental damage that can contribute to premature aging,” Wen explains. Additionally, carotenoids, which are precursors to vitamin A “help support eye health and improve the elasticity of the skin.” Nice! We’ll be whipping up some avocado toast ASAP.
Walnuts
Nuts are another fantastic addition to your diet if anti-aging benefits are what you’re after. Wen tells us that walnuts, in particular, are at the top of her list. “Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc which keep cells healthy by protecting them from oxidative damage and reducing inflammation,” she points out.
There’s so much to love about this tasty nut. As she goes on, “Eating walnuts not only protects you from free radicals that can cause skin damage and wrinkles but they've also been linked to lower levels of LDL cholesterol which helps to prevent heart disease.” Plus, they make a great, satiating snack that can even promote weight loss–and may improve your metabolism. “Research has also shown that by eating just a small amount of walnuts you can benefit from improved blood pressure levels and metabolic rate,” Wen concludes. Incredible!
At the end of the day, of course, there’s no magical cure to aging–however, eating a diet rich in antioxidants is one great way to slow the process and keep you looking (and feeling) younger longer, and avocados and walnuts are just two of the best foods to help you do just that.
