The things many of us take for granted when we're young-having sharp vision, bouncing back from illness, being able to skip down the block-don't have to fade away entirely (even if you'd rather walk than skip!). The foods we eat can have profound effects on how we move through the world, and can contribute to both longevity and quality of life along the way.
The key is anti-inflammatory foods. "Chronic inflammation pushes your body's organ systems to work extra hard to achieve normal functionality" explains Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., author of Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked) and host of the podcast On the Side With Jackie London, R.D. "All that extra work is what ultimately damages your cells over time and can increase risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer" she adds.
So that's the big picture, but what's extra amazing about these types of food is that most of them have bonus benefits that improve specific functions of your body, like vision, heart health, and joint movement. Oh, and they're really delicious, because what's the point of feeling young if you can't enjoy what gets you there?
FOR A SHARP BRAIN
BLUEBERRIES
These tiny fruits are so packed with anthocyanins (antioxidants known for giving blue-, red-, and purple-pigmented foods their color) that they've become the berry of choice in brain research. "A growing body of scientific evidence is examining how blueberries can support brain health as part of a healthy eating pattern, and recent studies suggest that they may help ward off cognitive decline and improve cognition in older adults," says Frances LargemanRoth, R.D.N., a nutrition expert and creator of The Smoothie Plan, a new Prevention book.
WALNUTS
This story is from the August 2022 edition of Prevention US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2022 edition of Prevention US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
STAY-FULL FUEL
Perfect nutrient pairings keep you satisfied longer.
No, You Are NOT LAZY!
LISTEN, I'M THE FIRST PERSON TO BE HARD ON MYSELF.
8 Ways to AMP UP Your Motivation
NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK, try one or two of these expert-approved strategies to help you shore up your motivation to accomplish any goal.
When You Just DON'T WANNA
WE ALL KNOW WHAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING: cleaning out the closet, hitting the treadmill, getting that résumé done, [fill in your ugh task here].
SHOULD YOU BREAK UP WITH YOUR DOCTOR?
Maybe it is them. Even a good doctor-patient relationship sometimes runs its course. Here's when you should consider moving on for better health.
Getting surgery?
BEFORE YOU GO IN, TRY THESE FIVE THINGS FOR A SMOOTHER RECOVERY.
MY DIAGNOSIS Why Did I Always Hurt-Everywhere?
Her doc didn't believe her, and she had no time or money to search for a new one, so this working mom lived in pain for years.
THE DOCTOR IS IN The Truth About IUDs
The benefits of these small but mighty devices go beyond birth control.
WHAT'S UP WITH...BAD BREATH
If everything (and everyone) starts to wilt when you open your mouth, here's how to freshen things up.
Healthy Up Your Home
Milk and eggs aren't the only things with an expiration date.