Five Age-Defying Foods for the 50+ Crowd
Contrary to popular belief, your 50s and later years bring plenty of perks: self-assurance, perspective, inherent authority, an AARP membership… The list goes on. There may be a few—let’s say—less glamorous physical side effects of aging, but scientists confirm that certain nutrients have the power to keep you feeling young inside and out. Read on for five simple (and delicious!) age-fighting foods you’ll want to add to your grocery list.
Watermelon
Watermelon is rich in the amino acid citrulline, which helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. This explains why the fruit (or even just the juice) can soothe muscle soreness and fight many of the circulatory issues that we become more and more prone to with age. As an added bonus, the vessel-relaxing properties yield some “Viagra-like” effects, making the superfruit a natural libido booster. To work watermelon into any meal (other than a family picnic), try serving it hors d’oeuvre-style with small cubes of feta cheese, mint leaves, and balsamic drizzle.
Swiss Chard
Dark, leafy greens are packed with a variety of what you might call “anti-aging nutrients,” but they’re especially well-armed when it comes to battling your youth’s most visible enemy: wrinkles. Swiss chard, for example, is rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that your body converts to vitamin A and then uses – actually, requires – for skin growth and repair processes. It’s also a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen (the stuff that keeps your skin firm and flexible) while also protecting cells from damage by free radicals. For a fresh, summer spin on Swiss chard, slice it up with peppers and onions, mix it with a basic vinaigrette, and you’ve got a satisfying slaw.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of those delicious, exotic spices that proves healthy food doesn’t have to be bland and boring. It has been used for thousands of years (usually in South Asian dishes), not only for flavor but also to alleviate the common joint pains and mechanical discomforts of our 50s and later years. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects are due to the active ingredient curcumin, which—get this!—has been shown to relieve joint pain as well as ibuprofen. Not a big fan of curry? Try sprinkling the spice over a casual chicken salad or hummus, or mix it into plain, non-fat Greek yogurt and add a dash of hot sauce to prepare a dip with a kick. (If you do crave curry, take a peak at my recipes for curried chicken salad with green peas and spiced yogurt dressing.)
White Beans
Beans, beans… Good for your heart; great for your bones. White beans are especially rich in calcium and protein, both of which promote strong, healthy bones by fighting the natural loss of bone density that gains momentum after the big 5-0, which can lead to osteoporosis. There’s just one caveat: Beans contain substances called phytates that may interfere with your body’s calcium absorption, but you can reduce the phytate level by soaking beans in water for a few hours and then boiling them in fresh water. For a yummy, easy-to-make snack, try my recipe for Tuscan white bean dip, grab some raw veggies, and dig in.
Blackberries
Berries are your best anti-aging friends. They’re rich in antioxidants and a whole host of nutrients that give them scientifically suggested superpowers: maintaining memory sharpness, protecting joints from wear and tear, relieving muscle soreness, preserving eyesight, fighting wrinkles, and even reducing your risk for serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Blackberries are loaded with anthocyanins, an antioxidant that’s known to enhance memory function and prevent problems with word recall – which, you may know, is a BIG perk if you’re over 50 (and can’t find your keys)! Not to mention, one cup of blackberries provides a whopping 8 grams of fiber, so they’ll keep you feeling full while keeping things moving through your digestive tract. For a naturally sweet treat, try my simple recipe for a refreshing blackberry smoothie.
Want to know what foods to steer clear of once you’ve hit the half-century mark? Check out these 5 foods to avoid.
Age-Defying Foods for the 50+ Crowd
Contrary to popular belief, your 50s and later years bring plenty of perks: self-assurance, perspective, inherent authority, an AARP membership… The list goes on. There may be a few—let’s say—less glamorous physical side effects of aging, but scientists confirm that certain nutrients have the power to keep you feeling young inside and out. Read on for five simple (and delicious!) age-fighting foods you’ll want to add to your grocery list.
