The key to any anti-aging program is to eat a balanced diet while keeping your calorie intake and saturated fat consumption down. You should include plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and oily fish, and cut down on how much salt and sugar you consume. There are also several foods you can eat that help slow down the aging process.

Berries

Blueberries, blackberries, black grapes, and blackcurrants contain phytochemicals that are considered powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect our bodies from damaged caused by aging and free radicals. Red grapes are also high in resveratrol which have been shown to prolong life.

Garlic

Garlic helps protect our bodies from heart disease and cancer. You can eat raw or cooked garlic each day to reduce cholesterol and also works better than aspirin to keep your blood thin which lowers your risk of heart disease.

Green Vegetables

All your green vegetables including spinach, salad leaves, broccoli, lettuce, and other greens help fight off the toxins in the body while keeping your weight down.

Avocado

The avocado fruit is an exceptional source of monounsaturated fats that assist the body in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol. It is also a great source of vitamin E which is known to promote healthy skin and prevent premature aging. Vitamin E also helps in the prevention of hot flashes due to menopause. The avocado is also rich in potassium which acts to reduce water retention as well as high blood pressure. Simple cut the fruit in half, remove the seed, and enjoy with a little lemon juice. They are also ideal for use in salads or guacamole (learn how to make guacamole with these recipes).

Nuts

Just about all the variety of nuts are rich in minerals especially Brazil nuts and walnuts. Even though walnuts are loaded with calories they are an excellent source of potassium, zinc, selenium, magnesium, and iron. Our bodies need these sources to maintain a healthy digestive system and to improve our immune system.

Watermelon

Most people may not realize that the seeds of a watermelon are also nutritious along with the flesh. Adding them together in a juicer and drinking will protect your body from free radicals as well as premature aging.

Whole Grains

Whole grains such as brown rice, wheat, oats, rye, sprouted grains, maize, and barley are rich in minerals, fiber, and vitamins. They lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature aging. Whole grains are also instrumental in preventing diabetes and are digested slower as opposed to processed grains. You can find out more about which foods are whole foods here.

Teas

Green and white teas have a very high level of antioxidants which helps reduce the risk of certain cancer as well as heart disease. Antioxidants also help improve the look and feel of your skin giving it a healthy younger look.

Olive Oil

Olive oil acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps in reducing the age-related diseases like cancer or cardiovascular disease.

Fish

Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which improve our balance, brain function, muscle tone and prevents certain cancers. You can find out more about the benefits of omega-3 and fish oil in general here.