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No one relishes the thought of growing old but since no one has found the fountain of youth, it is something that will happen to each of us.  For many people, growing old means being sick, being less active, being unable to do the same things they do today.  But this doesn’t necessarily need to be the case.  It turns out that one of the keys to youthful vigor and longevity may be right in your own home.   We all know that the key to good health is a healthy diet and an active lifestyle and research has shown that in addition to keeping us alive longer, these things can also help us stay younger even as we age.  Choosing the right foods and remaining active may not allow you to stay young forever fountain-of-youth-style, but they will keep you looking and feeling younger for longer.

Here are five of the best foods you can include in your diet to look and feel younger.

1.     Avocados

When it comes to anti-aging properties, the avocado offers a double dose of youth.  First, the type of oil found in avocados helps keep your skin firm and moist, both characteristics of younger looking skin.  Second, avocados contain mono-saturated fatty acids which are the heart healthiest fats available.   Get more avocados on your plate by trying Avocado and Tomato Salad for lunch.

2.     Berries

All berries contain lots of anti-oxidants which help reduce the damaging effects of free radicals in your body.  But when it comes to berries, blueberries shine brighter than all the rest because they also contain high doses of vitamins C and E which also help minimize damage done to our bodies over time.  As an added bonus, blueberries and most other berries contain collagen which helps skin looking young.   Get some berries on your plate each morning with Boss’s Baked French Toast.

3.     Spinach

If there is one thing that can make almost anyone feel old it is failing eyesight and eating spinach may be able to help keep eyes healthy.  Spinach is full of vitamins, minerals, and healthy compounds including folate and lutein.  Folate aids in the production of new cells while lutein aids in eye health.   Get more spinach in your diet by filling your plate with Lemon Spinach.

4.     Fish

The omega-3 fatty acids found in most fish can make a real difference in how young we look, feel, and act.  They are powerful anti-oxidants and help fight free radicals and cell damage.  They are also helpful in combating inflammation and can be beneficial for your skin.  Even more importantly however, these fatty acids help with mental function and brain health.  Get more fish on your family’s plate with Marinated Wild Salmon.

5.     Spices

There is no question that spicing things up can help keep you young and including specific anti-inflammatory spices like ginger, turmeric, cayenne, and cinnamon can help keep you feeling younger.  These spices help reduce harmful inflammation and can be beneficial in balancing blood sugar.   Get a little more spice in your life with Glazed Cinnamon Bars.

Related articles

• Favorite Recipes from Fill Your Plate Moms: Green Mango-Banana Smoothie (fillyourplate.org)
• Get to Know Your Leafy Greens (fillyourplate.org)
• 5 Easy Ways to Eat Better for Less (fillyourplate.org)