5 Superfoods You Should Know About to Live Well Longer

Eating a balanced diet is key to good health at any age, but taking good care of our bodies as we get older is especially important. When we make smart food choices, we are able to feel and look our best, and give ourselves a continued energy for life.

Lots of scientific studies have suggested there are certain ‘superfoods’ that are integral to maintaining strong physical and cognitive health. Superfoods are foods that fit a specific description - minimally processed and naturally rich in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (which prevent illness and promote good health).

We’ve chosen 5 superfoods (though there are many) that have specifically been proven to help with ageing:

Dark leafy greens

We all know they’re good for us, but do we know just how good? Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach are rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin K and C, which helps to promote healthy blood clotting and bone formation and aid immune function. Kale and spinach also contain carotenoids, which have been shown to help protect the eyes against age-related macular degeneration.

Beetroots

Beetroots are another food that contains a high carotenoid concentration to help keep your vision strong. Beetroots have also been found to have some profound benefits to your skin, heart and brain. They are full of antioxidants, fibre, iron, potassium and Vitamin C. The London School of Medicine recently researched the natural nitrates found in beetroots and discovered that they can naturally decrease blood pressure!

Blueberries

The blueberry was one of the very first foods to be labelled a ‘superfood’ and this is because they contain some of the highest levels of antioxidants found in any fruit and vegetables. According to research, anthocyanidins (found in berry fruits) can support the cardiovascular system by strengthening the health of blood vessels and reducing the arterial stiffness associated with ageing.

Tomatoes

Who doesn’t love a tomato?! As well as tasting great on pizza, tomatoes have been proven to make your skin less sensitive to UV light (sun exposure is the number 1 cause of skin ageing). Tomatoes are also dense in antioxidants, causing the oxidation process (part of ageing) within the body to slow down.

Avocado

Did you know that the Guinness World Book of Records mentions avocado as the most nutritious fruit? Made of healthy fats, avocados help to reduce bad cholesterol within the body and contain 30% more potassium than banana weight for weight. Potassium is an essential mineral needed by all tissues in the body which helps to optimise blood pressure. As well as promoting cardiovascular health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits, avocados are also thought to help prevent hearing loss (due to its richness in Vitamin E).

All of these superfoods can be added to your diet whether you prepare from scratch or buy ready meals etc. Independent Living Advisers refer suitable support who can help you to cook or prepare food for you. See details : Household Support Services for Elderly in Surrey,Sussex,Kent (ila.life)

Author Bio: Cecilia Trueman is a qualified nurse and has a lifetime of experience in working in homes, managing the care for people who wish to live in their house and has worked for independent companies to review the best options of living. She today works for Independent Living Advisers (or ILA.life), and has previously managed care agencies, worked as a nurse in the NHS and independent organisations such as support homes and now runs a ‘nurse led’ support company to help elders live in their homes for longer (and better). She can also be reached on linkedin.