Top 5 Anti-Aging Foods That Work: Dietitian Approved

Honestly, it was very difficult to narrow down this list to only 5 power foods because there are a plethora of wholesome quality foods that I really enjoy! So, I compiled a list of my favorite foods that have been proven to help maintain a youthful essence. But, these are my favorite go-to foods that I frequently eat. So, the next time you're in the grocery store grab

these 5 foods:

1. Garlic: Garlic is a widely used plant in the Allium family and its closely related to bulbs such as onions, leeks, and chives. The sulfuric compound called alliance is responsible for its pungent aroma and antioxidant properties. Researchers suggest that the ancient organic compound has various health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure, and managing blood glucose levels.

2. Raspberries: All berries are considered functional foods! But, raspberries goes to the top of my list because of the...FIBER! Yes, this powerful fruit is one of my favorite grab-and-go snacks because it is saturated with dietary fiber. The recommended daily intake of dietary fiber per day is about 25-30 grams (from food, not supplements). Fiber is good for gut health, glucose control, and weight management. One cup of Raspberries yields 8 grams of fiber. Wow! That's more than a cup of figs or prunes. Now, considering that 3-4 grams of a food serving is still a good fiber source, but raspberries win the race. In addition, it's rich in vitamin C more than oragnes--hows that for a power food! This tiny fruit flower is packed with wholesome and goodness all-in-one!

3. Salmon: Salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which is important for heart health, skin integrity, cholesterol, and inflammation. Omega-3's consist of two fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which recent studies have shown to protect against memory loss associated with aging such as dementia. However, more long-term studies are warranted to confirm. Some plant-based omega-3 sources are walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds, which are good sources of ALA.

4. Nuts/Walnuts: Nuts are a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Moreover, nuts are packed with antioxidants, vitamins E, A, and K, and omegas. However, not all nuts are created equal. For instance, walnut is one of the highest omega-3 containing nuts next to flaxseeds.

5. Green leafy/Kale: Hail to the Kale! Kale is a exceptionally nutrient-dense power food that offers a wide range of healthy benefits including cancer, blood clotting, heart disease, inflammation, high cholesterol, diabetes, and gut health. Kale is packed with with phytochemicals, which acts as a antioxidant to combat free radicals that damage cells, which decreases the body's ability to fight disease.

Dietitian Shar's recommendation: Eating a variety of wholesome nutrient-dense foods can help fight against disease and protects cells, which in turn, preserves the human body naturally. So, choose wisely!