Foods to slow down aging after 40 and improve health

What you need to know

While incorporating superfoods into your diet at any time is great, there are specific foods that contain nutrients associated with slowing down the aging process.

Foods to include in your diet after 40 years

Blueberries

Berries are one of the healthiest foods you can eat as you age, and blueberries are the top ones among them.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which help fight oxidative stress and inflammation, two main aging factors.

Consuming blueberries also supports brain health and may slow cognitive aging. You might think you're too young at 40 to start focusing on dementia and Alzheimer's disease prevention, but it's never too early to regularly consume healthy foods which can help your body during aging.

Avocado

Studies show that many people begin to lose skin elasticity and notice signs of skin aging sometimes as early as in their 20s. This is because as we age, our bodies start producing less collagen and elastin, affecting the texture and youthfulness of our skin. These changes are natural and nothing to fear, but if you're looking for healthy ways to potentially restore elasticity, your diet can help.

One of the best superfoods for your skin is avocado. It is rich in healthy fats, especially monounsaturated fats, which nourish the skin and reduce inflammation, promoting a more youthful appearance. Along with beneficial fats, avocado contains vitamin E, which can help reduce inflammation, promote healthy aging, and improve skin health by repairing damaged skin and increasing collagen production.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are antioxidant-rich fruits believed to reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, improve brain health and cognitive function, and help protect your skin as you age.

This fruit is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which help protect the skin from UV damage, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity. So whether you eat pomegranate seeds or drink 100% pomegranate juice, you'll reap these amazing antioxidant benefits for skin, heart, and brain.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a superfood associated with anti-aging benefits. One study published in the journal Molecules found positive results using turmeric as a supplement for middle-aged men and postmenopausal women, noting that it provides strong protection against oxidative stress damage.

This spice contains a compound called curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping protect against age-related diseases and promoting overall health and longevity.

Salmon

Another great superfood that helps slow down the aging process is salmon, as well as many other types of fatty fish.

Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein, a nutrient important for maintaining muscle mass, especially in older adults. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, a study published in Neurology found that people aged 40-50 with higher levels of omega-3 in their red blood cells had better cognitive function and overall brain structure than those with lower omega-3 levels.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an important superfood that helps slow down aging. Certain red-colored products, such as tomatoes, contain the antioxidant lycopene, which fights free radicals that arise with aging.

Lycopene, a plant compound, is also found in watermelon and pink grapefruit, known for their numerous health benefits. In addition to fighting free radicals, high lycopene consumption has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and even help reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men. Besides all these anti-aging benefits, lycopene is known to reduce skin photodamage.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.