10 Top Anti-Aging Foods and Nutrients to Keep You Young

From time to time, most of us wish we could stop the clock on the aging process, but scientists still haven't found the key to keeping us forever young. As we get older, the body's machinery begins to function a little less smoothly and we become susceptible to age-related and degenerative diseases. But there are certain foods that can help counteract the negative effects aging has on the body. They won't make you younger or stop you from getting older, but they can improve your overall health and vitality, and protect you against disease and illness, which could prolong your life and make the years you do have more healthful.

While exercise and a healthy diet can keep you fit well into old age, some foods are especially good at preventing or reducing the effects of age-related diseases and other health problems. Here we'll look at 10 foods that pack a huge anti-aging punch.

Berries:

Berries of all types -- blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, strawberries -- are super rich in antioxidants, such as flavonols and anthocyanins, which promote cell health and can protect against disease. Anthocyanins in particular, found in large quantities in blackberries, are thought to help protect against cancer and diabetes. Darker berries -- especially ones that are black or blue in color -- tend to provide the best anti-aging benefits because they have the highest concentration of antioxidants. According to some studies, blueberries may even help slow or reverse neurological degeneration, improve memory, restrict the growth of cancer cells and reduce inflammation. And as an added bonus, they're great for urinary tract health.

Dark chocolate:

Some of the most visible signs of the aging process can be seen in our skin. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation ages the skin more quickly. But did you know that eating (or drinking) dark chocolate has been shown to help protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV exposure?

Cocoa beans, from which chocolate is made, have a higher antioxidant capacity than any other food, and the high concentration of antioxidant flavanols in cocoa beans helps reduce inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to UV light. Furthermore, eating dark chocolate can increase circulation in the skin and improve its ability to retain moisture, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help you look younger.

Nuts:

Nuts have always been a part of a healthy diet. They provide us with all the necessary vitamins and nutrients without the overdose of calories and fat. Nuts like cashews, pecan and almonds are good sources of omega-3 fats, especially walnuts. A quarter cup of walnuts can solely meet 91% of your omega-3 fats dietary requirement. Besides, the unsaturated fats in these nuts also boost the cardiovascular health.

Yogurt:

Yogurt is a good source of protein while being low on calories. The friendly bacterium in this also promotes digestive health. Yogurt is also rich in riboflavin, phosphorous, calcium and Vitamin B12. The health benefits of this food make it a good addition to any dietary regime.

Beans:

beans, they're good for your heart, the more you eat the more you, well, you get the idea. Beans often get a bad reputation because they can make you gassy, but they're truly one of the great dietary staples. They're an excellent source of low-fat protein, especially for those who don't eat meat. They also contain fiber (which can help lower cholesterol), are rich in antioxidants, and are chock full of all sorts of vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin B and potassium.

What's more, some beans -- including soy and kidney beans -- contain protease inhibitors and genistein, which are thought to help protect against cancer.

Red wine:

You may have heard that drinking one glass of red wine each day is good for your heart. Well, it's true! The antioxidants and nutrients in red wine can help prevent heart disease by protecting the arteries and the lining of blood vessels.

One of the most well recognized anti-aging components found in red wine is an antioxidant called resveratrol. Studies have shown that resveratrol may help prevent blood clots, reduce the risk of cancer, decrease inflammation and lower bad cholesterol.

Whole grain:

Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice and oats are rich in fiber that aids digestive health. Whole grains reduce the risk of heart disease and are a great means to reduce your waistline.

Green vegetables:

Green veggies are a warehouse of anti-oxidants that protect your body cells from free radicals. These harmful free radicals cause you to age faster. Besides, green vegetables are rich in phytochemicals that provide immunity against a variety of diseases. Kale, broccoli and spinach being powerhouses of Vitamin E, calcium and fiber, are termed as nutritional superstars. Beside they also provide UV protection.

Green tea:

Green tea is herbal drink that will not only help you lose those unwanted calories but will make you look younger as well. They have a high content of a compound called catechin polyphenols. This compound works harmoniously with other chemicals in the body to enhance thermogenesis and fat oxidation. Drinking green tea also checks cholesterol and prevents heart disease and cancer.

Garlic:

Garlic has long been thought of as a healthful and flavorful food, eaten by itself or added into a variety of delicious dishes. Its anti-aging benefits include lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and protecting and maintaining cell health. One of the biggest benefits of eating garlic is that it's a natural way to boost the immune system. Garlic has been used in folk medicine to help prevent and fight against infection for centuries, and scientific studies confirm its benefit as an anti-viral and anti-bacterial food.

These super foods will help you slow down the aging process. Consuming these foods will help you age with grace. Include them in your diet right away!