Scientists are discovering that what you eat, how frequently, and how much may have an effect on quality and years of life.  Fad diets come and go, but what seems clear is that the quality and quantity of the food we eat not only has a large impact on our health but also on our aging.

Here are 6 foods you can EASILY include more of in your diet to STOP THOSE WRINKLES before they even START!

#1: Blueberries

A study published by Tufts University showed that anthocyanins in blueberries (the pigments that give them their deep color), appear to combat oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of aging. Anthocyanins also aid your brain in the production of dopamine, a chemical that is critical to coordination, memory function, and your mood. Blueberries are low in sugar, but it’s still best to eat them in moderation to keep your insulin levels from spiking. And as with all fruits and vegetables, try to buy organic. Other varieties of berries like cherries, acai, black raspberries, strawberry and cranberry also have powerful healing and disease-prevention properties.

#2: Broccoli

Broccoli contains the highest amount of isothiocyanates, a cancer-fighting compound, of all the crunchy vegetables. Isothiocynates work by turning on cancer-fighting genes and turning off others that feed the disease. You don’t need to eat large amounts of these veggies to take advantage of their health benefits, either. Studies have shown men who eat more than one portion of cruciferous vegetables a week are at lower risk of prostate cancer.

#3: Anti-Oxidant Teas

Anti-oxidant rich teas like green tea, white tea, oolong tea, rooibos tea, and black tea contain antioxidants called polyphenols that protect your cells from free radical damage.

#4: Wild-caught Fish

Provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats to slow the aging process. Wild Alaskan Salmon contains high levels of Vitamin D and astaxanthin. Both vitamin and astaxanthin are powerful antioxidants that help fight the signs of aging.

#5: Whey Protein

Whey has been shown to increase your body’s stores of the antioxidant glutathione, or GSH. Glutathione is known to increase the integrity of telomeres. Telomeres are bundles of DNA found in every cell, and they shorten with age. Researchers suspect telomeres shorten due to damage by free radicals. Free radicals play a role in DNA mutations, and there is evidence that mutations in your telomeres can cause larger chunks than normal to be lost during cell division. The best way to increase and maintain your GSH levels is to make sure your diet includes foods (such as animal foods and eggs) rich in the sulfur amino acids your cells need to synthesize glutathione.

#6: Green Leafy Vegetables

Kale, swiss chard, beet greens and spinach provide important nutrients to support bone health, eye health, and even prevent cancer. Spirulina provides high levels of anti-oxidants including polythenols. This super anti-oxidant is a powerhouse weapon against pre-mature aging.

So anti-aging isn’t JUST about what you put ON your skin.  It’s JUST as important, if not more so, what you’re putting IN your body!

As ALWAYS, consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making changes to your diet.  CHEERS to being Happy, Healthy + SLOWING AGING using what nature has given us!

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