Nutrient-rich superfoods pack a powerful antioxidant punch to your body’s health and well-being. Their inflammation fighting properties help protect your eyes, lungs, heart, and brain from age-related degeneration. For seniors, an antioxidant-rich diet in the following foods and drinks can help boost the immune system and provide major health benefits.
Vision Health
Like the rest of our body, our vision can decline with age. Free radicals and inflammation caused by high energy light can damage the sensitive structures of the lens and retina of our eyes. Vitamin C, carotenoids, alpha-lipoic acid, and omege-3 fatty acids are especially critical to eye health. Spinach, kale, and broccoli are filled with important carotenoids the eyes need. In addition, two servings of fish a week can lower your risk of macular degeneration.
Lung Health
The air pollution and other toxins you are exposed to on a daily basis take their toll on your lungs. Vegetables like kale, broccoli, and cabbage contain antioxidants and sulfur compounds that keep your lungs clean and free of toxins. The carotenoids in red or orange colored fruits and vegetables that keep your eyes healthy can also reduce your risk of developing asthma and omega-3s have a beneficial effect on those suffering from chronic respiratory diseases. Vitamin-C rich foods make your lungs more efficient at oxygenating your body. Spices such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic as well as fruits such as blueberries and apples also promote overall healthy lung function.
Heart Health
Found in fatty fish, flax seed oil, and walnuts, Omega-3 Fatty Acids reduce inflammation throughout the body, and that’s good news for your heart. Inflammation can damage your blood vessels and lead to heart disease. To increase your intake of this vital nutrient, add walnuts to your salad, or flax seed oil to your salad dressing. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish per week to reduce your risk of heart attack. Grass-fed beef and enriched eggs are also high in omega-3s.
Brain Health
Olive oil is a source of healthy, monounsaturated fats proven to actually slow brain aging. Recent studies have shown a diet high in blueberries and strawberries can slow mental decline in areas such as memory and focus. Although Popeye ate spinach to build muscle, you should eat it for the antioxidant lutein, which is thought to help protect against cognitive decline. Walnuts help promote blood flow, which in turn allows for efficient delivery of oxygen to the brain and can improve memory, as does caffeine, in moderation. And last but definitely not least, dark chocolate. The flavonoids in dark chocolate regulate and lower blood pressure, which in turn increases blood flow and fosters brain health.
There are many variables that determine how long you live, only you can influence how well you live. Following a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and eating an antioxidant-packed diet, you can help slow the aging process and perhaps even stave off age-related effects on your body. Adding these healthy and delicious super foods to your diet keeps the effects of aging at bay.
