Foods That Will Help You Live A Longer Life

So you wish to live indefinitely... almost. Can your diet assist you in getting there? Maybe. Some meals, according to scientists and nutritionists, raise immunity to infections, destroy cancer cells, improve cognitive function, decrease cellular aging, and fight the No. 1 killer of Americans, heart disease. These foods are high in substances that promote your health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and other cell-strengthening elements known as phytochemicals. So, what exactly are these meals that promote longevity? Here's a hint: they don't contain a lot of preservatives!

Pomegranate Juice and Green Tea

Green tea and pomegranate juice aren't particularly nutritious. The antioxidant content of these drinks is what has generated the health buzz. The Camellia sinensis leaf, which is used to make green, black, and oolong teas, is high in polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, a powerful flavonoid. These polyphenols deactivate enzymes that aid tumor growth and destroy cell-damaging free radicals. Drinking 1 to 2 cups of green tea per day may help prevent breast, prostate, colon, stomach, and skin cancers, according to researchers. Pomegranate juice has up to three times the antioxidant punch of green tea and may be even more effective in extending your life. According to one study, pomegranate juice may help or even prevent coronary heart disease. Other research indicates that drinking the juice on a daily basis reduces or prevents prostate and other cancers.

Citrus Fruits

Oranges are the most delicious citrus fruit. They include practically every vitamin and mineral known to man, and they are simple to consume. Their main selling point is the high concentration of vitamin C they contain. This vitamin improves immunity and aids iron absorption in the body. But it does more: Vitamin C protects cell damage, which allows cancer to form. Citrus fruits also include a considerable quantity of fiber, which aids digestion. Grapefruit's pectin fiber decreases LDL (bad) blood cholesterol. When it comes to grapefruit, darker is better. Red grapefruits have more beta carotene and lycopene than pink or white grapefruits.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. It is high in fiber and a good source of two B vitamins, folate and riboflavin, as well as potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Despite its lack of orange color, broccoli is high in anti-aging beta carotene and lutein. All of these nutrients are beneficial to your health, yet some serve specific purposes. Folate is required for cell reproduction as well as the creation of hemoglobin, which oxygenates red blood cells. It fights cancer and heart disease in the same way as antioxidants do. Folate also aids in the preservation of hearing by decreasing the age-related loss of high-frequency noises.

Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed is one of the few foods that contains alpha-linolenic acid, an important fatty acid. The term "vital" suggests that you must consume this vitamin because your body cannot produce it. When alpha-linolenic acid enters your digestive tract, it transforms to a type of omega-3 fatty acid and helps to reduce blood clot development. Simply put, include ground flaxseed in your diet lowers your risk of suffering a fatal heart attack. In addition to protecting your heart, flaxseed and flaxseed oil maintain healthy cell membranes and function as an anti-inflammatory to alleviate the discomfort and swelling associated with arthritic joints. The seed is also a good source of fiber.

Pumpkin and Pumpkin Seeds

We normally only see pumpkins at Halloween, and most of us probably limit our pumpkin consumption to the special Thanksgiving pie. Pumpkins, on the other hand, are high in cancer-fighting alpha and beta carotene. They are an excellent source of lutein, an antioxidant that aids in the prevention or postponement of macular degeneration, the major cause of blindness in older persons. They also include fiber, potassium, riboflavin, iron, and the cell-saving and heart-healthy vitamins C and E. Pumpkin seeds contain vitamin E, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and some vital fatty acids. They're also a tasty snack that can help men avoid prostate problems.

Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, and sardines. These substances are essential for keeping your heart healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure, help blood platelets flow past each other to prevent blood clots from forming, and help you maintain a steady, regular heartbeat. But what's the point of living longer if you're not having fun? Fish also helps in this regard. It can help to reduce swelling in arthritic joints, allowing you to stay active. Eating fish is smart since omega-3 fatty acids make up roughly 8% of your brain. It combats depression and reduces the chance of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Fish may potentially improve your resistance to prostate, breast, and colon cancer.

Whole grains

Whole grains provide two types of fiber in your diet. Soluble fiber decreases cholesterol levels in the blood. Insoluble fiber keeps the food you eat going through your body at a constant rate, whether it's good or unhealthy. Avoiding digestive snarls minimizes strain on your intestines and lessens your chance of diverticulitis. Slow-moving food is unpleasant, and it allows the bad guys, such as dangerous bacteria and cancer cells, much too much time to proliferate in your intestines. Whole grains and water make you feel full, making it simpler to avoid overeating and weight gain. Excess weight increases your chances of acquiring diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

Blueberries

Antioxidants are one type of phytochemical, which are plant components that scientists are only now learning about. They discovered 4,000 distinct phytochemicals, the majority of which act as antioxidants in your body. And surprise what? Sweet, fresh blueberries have more antioxidants than practically any other meal. They also have a high fiber content, which might help you maintain a healthy weight. However, how do they keep you young? Blueberries include antioxidants that protect cells from hazardous free radicals that accelerate aging, produce wrinkles, and make you susceptible to disease. Soluble fiber decreases cholesterol levels, which helps maintain your heart healthy and strong.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin C and provide 400% of your daily vitamin A requirement. Beta carotene is a pigment that gives sweet potatoes their orange color, but it also acts as an antioxidant in your body, preventing cancer and aging at the cellular level. Darker sweet potatoes contain more beta carotene than lighter sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are an edible root linked to morning glory blooms, not potatoes or yams. They're also a high-fiber, low-fat snack that provides a healthy dosage of vitamin E, a cancer-fighting antioxidant, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium in a pleasant package. Eat the peel as well for an added nutritious boost.