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10 Anti-Aging Foods You Should Consume

By Jordana Haspel
From Team Beachbody - Click here for resources, tools and information to help you to reach your health, fitness and positive lifestyle goals!

That's right, food can help you live longer. And not just because without it you'd starve to death in just a few weeks. It turns out that eating the right foods does more than keep you going—it keeps you going better and can add years to your life. The truth is there are few surprises here; we've been telling you to eat these things all along. A diet rich in these foods won't just keep you living longer because of their special properties, but also because eating them as part of a healthy diet will help you lose weight and avoid obesity-related health problems.

Here are the top 10 life-extending foods:

Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain large amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene helps reduce the chances of several cancers—most notably prostate cancer—and is also associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. It may even help prevent skin aging. One of the quirky things about tomatoes is that the amount of lycopene they have actually increases when you cook and crush them, so tomato paste and sauce are more powerful than fresh tomatoes.
Olive oil. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. It also has high antioxidant levels, a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels, and an anti-inflammatory effect. No wonder the Mediterranean diet is so healthy! Choose cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil for maximum benefit—but don't go overboard. Remember, one tablespoon has 120 calories (13 grams of fat!). (Click here for more on the healthy benefits of olive oil.)
Red grapes. Like tomatoes and olive oil, grapes, grape juice, and red wine also contain antioxidants. Drinking a moderate amount of red wine—one or two drinks a day—has been shown to increase longevity. (Click here for more health benefits of wine, especially info on resveratrol, a substance in the skin of red grapes that's been shown to help slow the growth of cancer.) Be careful, however, because drinking too much can shorten your life instead!
Nuts. Nuts have fat, but like olive oil it's the "good" fat—monounsaturated. Eating 5 ounces a week has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. They're also a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. For more nutty info, check out "4 Reasons to Nibble Nuts."
Whole grains. Whole grains, especially sprouted whole grains, contain a lot of fiber, as well as antioxidants. They help protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. So skip the Wonder Bread, and cut a slice of a multigrain loaf instead.
Salmon and other fatty fish. There can't be enough said about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, and salmon is rich in them. They help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation, coronary heart disease, and other health problems. In most cases wild-caught fish are healthier than farm-raised fish.
Blueberries. Blueberries have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants. They help prevent urinary tract infections, lower cholesterol, and help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. All the other berries are great too, plus they taste practically like candy!
Garlic. Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, used for everything from treating the common cold to serving as an antiseptic. It can help regulate blood sugar and has anti-cancer properties. (Click here for more on the wonders of garlic.)
Spinach. Loads of antioxidants make spinach a strong weapon against aging. It also has high levels of folic acid, which helps fight cancer, heart disease, and mental disorders.
Tea. Used medicinally for thousands of years, tea contains a large amount of antioxidants. It may boost your metabolism, help prevent diabetes, lift your immune system and mental alertness, and lower stress hormone levels. (Click here to read about 12 of the best teas.) And drink up!