You may think that the fountain of youth is made of water. From what we read, it is really made of fruits and vegetables. As you get older, you may start looking for ways to slow down the aging process or age in a healthy way. It is not news that staying active in the ACT II of your life is critical to good health, but don’t worry, it is easier than you think.
Incorporating healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in your diet has unique health benefits that aid in the process of healthy aging.
Blueberries — The Memory Fruit
Packed full of vitamins and antioxidants, blueberries are said to boost cognitive function, improve memory and prevent or treat brain issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s. This little blue fruit is delicious on its own as a snack or added to yogurt, or you can eat them in oatmeal or a salad.
A 2016 study showed evidence that cognitive impairment patients who ate blueberries showed increased cognitive function and higher brain activity.
Tomatoes — Help Resolve a Number of Ills
According to Healthline, tomatoes are bursting with health benefits. They have a natural chemical called lycopene that can protect against multiple types of cancer. The delicious red vegetables — or botanically speaking, fruit — can also reduce blood glucose in diabetics, protect your eyes against damage caused by light and improve skin health, leading to fewer wrinkles and blemishes.
Plus, tomatoes have a lot of fiber and water, so they are great for gut health. Eating tomatoes can promote normal bowel movements and reduce constipation.
Tomatoes are a very common ingredient in so many dishes, from sandwiches to soups to salads and sandwiches. Add some diced tomatoes to your salads for extra flavor.
Broccoli — A Great Weight Loss Food
Delicious and low in calories, broccoli is a superfood for older adults because it is full of nutrients. Broccoli has a ton of health benefits, including cancer prevention and cholesterol reduction. According to a study conducted by the University of Kentucky, eating broccoli significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes and gastrointestinal issues.
Like tomatoes, broccoli is high in fiber, which makes it great for anyone with gut health issues or a desire to be more regular. Plus, it is a wonderful weight loss tool because it is filling yet low in calories.
Broccoli is a less common ingredient than tomatoes, but it can be added to almost any dish. Incorporate broccoli into your next soup, stir-fry or pasta, or just enjoy it raw with some light dressing or cheese.
Embrace the Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables
These three examples are not a complete list of all the healthy fruits and vegetables you could add to your diet to keep the effect of aging at bay, but they are a good place to start.
You were probably told your entire life to eat your fruits and vegetables. In the ACT II of life, it is even more important to follow that advice. Eating healthy and varied foods will give you more energy, protect your mind and body from decay and potentially even prevent or treat cancer or other illnesses.
Tell us about your favorite healthy fruit or veggie. How do you incorporate it into your diet?