As we grow older, we can expect our bodies to go through some significant changes that start from within that will eventually start to show physically. It’s alright, folks...It’s all a natural part of life. What can be done? How can we retain that youthful look? Unfortunately, the fountain of youth is still yet to be discovered, but there are certain things you can do assist you to continue to look and feel young and vibrant including what we put in our diets. Many people dream of reviving & retaining their youthful, radiant skin and although there is no magic pill to immediately transform you, there are things you can eat to bring you closer to your goal. In fact, studies have shown certain foods can slow down our aging process or even reverse effects. We have gathered a list of some great anti-aging foods to put on your grocery list and a few may surprise you! Keep reading to find out more.

  1. Oats. Not only are they packed with antioxidants, oats are rich in soluble fiber and helps rid the body of “bad” cholesterol. Oats are complex carbohydrates that give you a natural boost of energy throughout the day, lowers cholesterol levels and are low-glycemic. What can low-glycemic mean for you? Low-glycemic foods help prevent aging hormones from developing. Oats will help defend against skin cell damage and relieve skin irritation. You can even find facial masks using oatmeal as one of their key ingredients, so make sure to keep this goodie stocked in your pantry.

  2. Oranges. One of the most well-known benefits oranges provide is Vitamin C, which then encourages more production of collagen to help keep our skin supple and firm. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and that’s when you’ll start to see signs of wrinkles and sagging skin. Oranges will help produce more collagen and reorganization of new collagen fibers in your skin. Oranges will supply you energy, fiber, loaded with water, and your immune system will thank you! Oranges will help you feel good, help hydrate your skin and cells, and is considered a great snack to get you through the day.

  3. Dark Chocolate. Raw cacao, the main ingredient found in chocolate contains an abundance of over 300 antioxidants, aiding in slowing down aging and improving your immune system by protecting your body against viral and bacterial infections. Do you ever find that chocolate makes you feel a little better on a rough day? It’s not just the comforting yet intoxicating taste of chocolate that’s improving your mood. Cacao is actually considered an organic antidepressant to relieve anxiety, depression, and promotes feelings of happiness.

  4. Black Sesame Seeds. These seeds are loaded with iron and vitamin b which helps prevent and reverse signs of aging. Black sesame seeds also contain calcium and magnesium to stabilize blood pressure and help build strong bones. You can also find copper and zinc to sharpen your immune system, reduce pain and swelling for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and helps provide a solid foundation for supple bones, skin, and joints.

  5. Green Tea. People in Japan have been known to have the longest lifespans in the world, and hold the top spot as the largest consumer of green tea. Purely coincidental? Think again...Green tea offers a variety of anti-aging benefits such as slowing down the aging process due to its high antioxidant content. Green tea is also rich in flavonoids, known to contribute to healthy knees, and reducing damage to your arthritis joints that happens as you age.

  6. Salmon. Fish is a great way to integrate protein and healthy omega-3 fats in your diet, and salmon is a great source for both with low mercury content. Some studies even suggest omega-3s can prevent skin cancer cells from growing. Protein is a great aid in repairing and stimulates growth for your muscle cells.

  7. Raw Honey. Ahh yes, nature’s sugar. The pure, unfiltered, unpasteurized sweetener made from bees contain multiple benefits for your skin and body. Raw honey acts as a natural cleanser, is an amazing hydrator for the skin to smooth out wrinkles, lightens dark circles and fights specific bacteria known to cause pimples and acne. It is very common to find face mask recipes that utilize honey as a core ingredient. Try to get your hands on the raw honey and avoid the processed kind. Honey that has been processed gets filtered and stripped of a lot of the good antioxidant stuff that is beneficial.

Notice a similar recurring theme here? Yes, the more antioxidants in the food, the better it is to help to fight against aging! Don’t limit yourself to just the few superfoods we’ve mentioned above either. There are plenty of other great foods available to achieve what you are looking for. It’s simple. Just make sure you keep your diet packed with nutrients such as antioxidants, omega-3s, vitamins, copper, protein foods to continue to help your skin and body feeling and looking youthful. If you want reassurance that you get enough of the antioxidants and botanicals your body needs, look into our UltraNutrient® supplements crucial for cardiovascular, immune, & cellular health. Although we can’t freeze time or avoid aging, it is important we do what we can to take care of our bodies which will also help naturally slow down the aging too. It’s a win, win! Let’s work with what we’ve got and take charge of our health. You don’t have to do it alone...We are right here with you.