Super Foods For Longevity

Super food is a term given to food products that are high in phytonutrients and are believed to be better for health than other foods. For instance, blueberries, which are packed with dietary fibre, vitamin C, anthocyanins, antioxidants and manganese, are considered part of the super foods group.

People believe that super foods can help you live longer as our bodies are designed for eating healthy foods, and super foods are just that – healthy and nutritious food products. Studies have shown that some of the chemicals in foods like sulforaphane that is a phytochemical in broccoli are good for your genes. It can deactivate free radicals and toxins, and then reduce your chances of getting cardiovascular diseases, cancer and can even slow down the process of premature aging.

Nutritional Supplements And Diet For Longevity

By classifying super foods, people hope to reduce the risk of getting diseases that might shorten their life span, and slow down the process of aging, adding extra years of life. The pigment lycopene makes tomatoes red and it also decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, and a few types of cancers. Most of us know that raw tomatoes are good sources of lycopene, but the good news is that cooked tomatos have a more absorbable form of lycopene. So bring out that frying pan, and cook up that salsa or spaghetti sauce with farm fresh tomatoes. Watermelon, red bell peppers, guava and pink grapefruit also have lycopene.

Beta-carotene is another component that is good for healthy eyes and skin, and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cancers and cardiovascular disease. Beta-carotene which finally converts into vitamin A can be found in mangoes, carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes. Lycopene and lutein are found in orange fruits and vegetables, and can reduce your chances of getting macular degeneration. They can reduce wrinkling and can protect your skin from sun damage.

Include dark green leafy green vegetables in your daily diet as these are known to reduce the risk of heart disease and can also save your eyesight. Try to include three cups or more of green veggies in your diet every week.

To reduce the pace of mental aging and to keep your heart healthy, include omega 3 fatty acids in your diet. This will keep your mental faculties sharp. Fresh fish is the best option for omega 3 fatty acids. Alternatively you can eat canned fish like sardines, salmon, and canned tuna.