Adding the right foods to your diet can do wonders for your health. In addition to aiding weight loss, keeping your gut microbiome balanced, and more, the foods with which you choose to nourish your body could also help keep you protected from a range of serious health issues. From heart disease to brain disease, consuming antioxidant-rich ingredients can be a great way to lower your risk of many diseases as you age. In fact, it can be as simple as adding one tasty fruit to your plate every day.
To discover one of the best foods you can eat regularly to prevent age-related diseases, we spoke to nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator the Candida Diet. She told us that strawberries are a fantastic option. Read on to learn more about the benefits of this juicy fruit.
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How strawberries can help prevent age-related diseases
In general, berries are some of the best superfoods around. They're packed with fiber, antioxidants, and so many benefits. According to Richards, strawberries, in particular, are especially great when it comes to protecting your body from disease.
"Strawberries possess a high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value, indicating their potent antioxidant content, which makes them an excellent food to combat aging," she explains. "The antioxidants in strawberries, including vitamin C, anthocyanins, and quercetin, help neutralize harmful free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress and cellular damage." Incredible!
When your body is protected from oxidative stress, she says, the aging process may be slowed, and, in turn, your risk of disease lowered. "By reducing oxidative stress, these antioxidants help prevent DNA damage and inflammation, which are key factors in the aging process," Richards tells us.
It's also worth noting that strawberries can keep your skin looking gorgeous, too. "Regular consumption of strawberries can support skin health by promoting collagen synthesis and protecting against sun-induced damage," she adds.
On top of all of this, strawberries are low in calories, high in fiber and vitamins, super accessible, versatile, and, of course, delicious. "Incorporating strawberries into a balanced eating plan can provide a simple yet effective strategy to counteract the effects of aging and maintain youthful vitality," Richards concludes. Perfect!
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