by Alex Moore : Centuries ago, Hippocrates wrote, “let food be thy medicine…”
” Many things have changed since the Age of Pericles, but one thing has been consistent: food affects our health. What we put in our mouths can either help our bodies be healthier and more resilient, or make us overweight, prone to disease, and even affect the management of existing conditions..
You have probably heard a lot of buzz about “superfoods” in the news and on TV. It seems like every week there is a new study touting the next great food and why you should gobble it up. It can get overwhelming!
Luckily, there are a handful of tried and true superfoods that have been extensively studied and scientifically proven to help with our overall health, mental wellness, and healthy aging.
Blueberries
First of all, blueberries are low in sugar which is a big plus. Compounds found in blueberries called antioxidants are what make this berry a superfood.
People with mental disease, for example, have higher than average levels of oxidation in the brain. The antioxidants in blueberries can help prevent disease and some of the effects of aging by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
This can also help fight cancer, keep skin healthy, and keep cardiovascular disease at bay. Another key compound found in blueberries is called “gallic acid”. Gallic acid has been shown to protect against brain degeneration and neurotoxins.
To get more blueberries into your diet, try sprinkling them on your morning oatmeal or cereal, add them to a salad or a smoothie, or just pop them right out of the carton and into your mouth!
Cacao
Raw cacao is chock full of brain-healthy antioxidants. Sadly, this does not give you carte-blanche to binge on your favorite chocolate bar. Cacao nibs or raw cacao powder are the best ways to get this superfood into your diet.
The flavanols in cacao have been shown to improve attention and memory, and even improve mental clarity in older adults with cognitive impairment. To get the most effective “dose” of this superfood, you should try a cacao supplement or cacao powder that has gone through as little processing as possible. Or make your own healthy version of a chocolate bar like supermodel Miranda Kerr.
Salmon
It is pretty well known that eating fish is beneficial for your health, but salmon has achieved “superfood” status for its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Just one serving of wild caught salmon packs an impressive nutritional punch, delivering Vitamins B12, B6, B3 and D, Selenium, Omega-3’s and more!
The brain needs fatty acids to function. People with schizophrenia, for example, break it down faster than the average person. This means that they need to eat foods like salmon to replenish the fatty acids in the body and brain.
Omega-3’s have also been shown to support healthy bones and joints, especially in people who are susceptible to arthritis. It can boost memory, focus, and overall brain function in addition to overall appearance. In 2009, Madonna reportedly went on a special salmon diet for just that reason.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain 4 different kinds of healthy carotenoids. Each one of these carotenoids has its own perks, but one called “lycopene” is particularly effective for anti-aging and brain health.
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. It has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, help protect the skin from UV-related damage (read: wrinkles and age spots), and boost cardiovascular health. The antioxidants in tomatoes can also protect the brain against fatty acid loss, which can improve the ability of people with schizophrenia to slow down the brain’s metabolism of these critical macronutrients.
To get the most nutrition out of your tomatoes, be sure to keep the skin on (do not peel them) and eat them with broccoli, avocados, and/or olive oil – all have been shown to boost the body’s absorption of the tomato’s beneficial compounds.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can be a chronic problem and is linked to a number of diseases from cancer to brain disorders, and turmeric can help reduce and even heal inflammation in the body.
This beautiful golden spice can be worked into all kinds of savory dishes and soups, or you can take a curcumin supplement if you’re not crazy about the flavor. This is a powerful superfood, so be sure to talk with your doctor if you’re on any medications as this can potentially interact and cause complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these superfoods will support your brain and body to help keep the external and internal signs of aging in check. Our brains age just like the rest of our bodies, requiring more diligence and “upkeep” as we get up in years.
While these 5 superfoods are certainly beneficial, they should be used in a holistic way with other healthy ingredients. In fact, some food combinations can actually boost the body’s ability to absorb the beneficial compounds in these superfoods. Do a little research of your own and loook for the best food combinations for nutrient absorbtion.
A combination of superfoods with a healthy, active lifestyle and a nutritious diet will provide the best possible anti-aging benefits foor body and mind.
Author bio
Alex Moore of Shizlife has turned to food and relaxation as a means to a clear mind, a strong body, and a lean field of inner energy.
