10 Superfoods That Help Slow Aging

Eating these veggies may ward off UV-induced damage like wrinkles, thanks to lycopene, the pigment that gives them their rich red color. And cooked tomatoes are good for your skin, too. In fact, studies show that our bodies absorb lycopene more easily from tomato paste than from fresh tomatoes.

A main spice in curry, turmeric could keep your mind young. A potential cause of Alzheimer's Disease is a build-up of plaque in the brain. "Early research shows that curcumin, the active component in turmeric, may bind that plaque and prevent the disease from developing," says Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, a dietitian in New York City.Sprinkle turmeric onto scrambled eggs, or cook veggies in curry sauce to get the full benefit. 

To protect your eyesight, eat the yolk! It contains nutrients that lower your risk of cataracts and age-related eye degeneration.

Add it to your stir-fry, and you just might boost your heart health. Garlic is said to prevent heart disease and strokes by slowing the hardening of the arteries. The herb may also help fight inflammation and cartilage damage associated with arthritis.

These red gems boast flavonoids (healthy chemicals that give fruits and veggies their vivid color) with antioxidant powers that could keep your heart young. Regularly eating them and other flavonoid-rich foods like apples and pears could also reduce risk of  heart disease.

As you age, you lose bone and muscle. Milk helps counteract this because it's packed with two simple anti-aging nutrients—protein and calcium, says Rizzo. If downing a glass of milk doesn't appeal to you, try it steamed or blend some into a fruit smoothie.

Eating rolled oats and other fiber-rich foods like whole-grain bread and fruit can reduce your risk of developing a host of ailments—cancer, heart disease, respiratory issues, or depression. Prep an overnight oatmeal with plain Greek yogurt and fruit, or sprinkle oats on top of a smoothie bowl.

These tiny berries have one of the highest antioxidant contents of all fruits. Eating them "has been shown to fight against age-related cognitive decline," says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, author of Belly Fat Diet for Dummies.

In one study, regular nut intake was connected with a lower risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease. Make a to-go mix of peanuts, almonds, pistachios and walnuts for an easy way to avoid hanger. 

A half cup of pomegranate seeds have 15% of your daily need for vitamin C, an antioxidant that may fend off skin damage and premature aging. "They also contain the nutrient punicalagin, which might fight against the breakdown of collagen, helping to preserve joint health," says Palinski-Wade. So, get snacking.