The Best Foods for a Long Life, Avoid Diabetes with Foods, Eat Well

What you eat can affect your health and your longevity. Find out which foods experts day we should enjoy for a long life -- and which ones to avoid. Why are some people “old” at age 70 while others are “young” at 90? Experts have different theories about why we age, but they agree we can influence the process. Longevity isn’t just about delaying death — it’s about enjoying more years of health and vitality. Diet is one of the lifestyle choices we can make to slow down the aging process and delay the onset of age-related chronic illnesses.

How, exactly? The body needs a variety of nutrients to keep its systems — like our immune system and endocrine system (which regulates hormones) — running at their best. However, our diet does more than just provide fuel. In her new book, The Longevity Diet, dietician Leslie Beck outlines the ways food choices affect the aging process. First, certain foods can cause or prevent inflammation in the body. We’re not just talking arthritis — chronic inflammation also contributes to illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease, heart attack and type 2 diabetes. Foods that are high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fat and phytochemicals promote the production of anti-inflammatory compounds.

In contrast, foods which are high in fat, refined sugars and refined starches can promote inflammation. Second, foods containing high levels of antioxidants combat the harmful effects of free radicals — compounds which can damage proteins, cell membranes and genes. Free radical damage accumulates over the years when the body can’t produce enough of its own antioxidant enzymes to keep up. You’ve likely heard some of the big names like polyphenols, phytochemicals (such as flavonoids, beta carotene and resveratrol), vitamins C and E and selenium.

This gallery was the courtesy of 50Plus.

Beets and Red Fruits

Beets. Those bright pigments are thought to help ward off certain cancers like colon cancer. They’re also high in folate and manganese, and the betaine found in beets can help fight aging and inflammation. Try roasting them along with other winter vegetables or grate them on a salad.

Berries and red fruits. Need another excuse to enjoy berries? They’re packed with antioxidants. Toss them on your cereal or yoghurt, or enjoy them as a snack. Other red fruits like pomegranates and red grapes also offer a host of protective compounds. Red grapes are known for their resveratrol content, which helps fight inflammation, and pomegranates are packed with polyphenols that are good for the heart and guard against lung and prostate cancer.

Broccoli, Cabbage, and Dark Chocolate Too!

Broccoli. This cruciferous veggie contains sulforaphane, kaempferol and other phytochemicals that fight free radicals. Try roasting broccoli for a tasty change of routine or toss it on pizza.

Cabbage. Got to love those glucosinolates — another type of phytochemical that target free radicals. Try it in a sandwich instead of lettuce or braise it with apples and red wine.

Dark chocolate. Yes, you can treat yourself. Unlike milk or white chocolate, dark chocolate containing 70 per cent cocoa or more is packed with flavonoids. But don’t over do it — a small square is all you need.

Flaxseed. Flaxseed offers cancer-preventing phytochemicals and is an excellent source of alpha linolenic acid or ALA (an omega-3 fat) and lignans, which can help prevent heart disease. It’s easy to add to foods like cereals, cookies, meatloaf and stews, and can also be used to replace eggs in recipes.

Kale and Legumes

Kale. It has high fibre content, calcium, iron, vitamins A, C and K. Kale is also packed with antioxidants, and sulforaphane and a compound called indoles — both of which can help prevent cancer. Kale holds its shape in stir-fries and soups, and makes a crunchy snack when baked.

Legumes. While most dried beans provide plenty of fibre and plant-based protein, black beans get the nod for having the most antioxidant content. Beans and other legumes are also low glycemic carbohydrates — meaning they release their glucose slowly. Short on time? Try lentils — they don’t require pre-soaking and cook up quickly. Toss them in pasta sauce instead of ground meat or add them to any soup, stew or salad.

Oats, Olive Oil, and Oranges

Oats. They have all the phytochemicals and nutrients of other whole grains, but they really shine for their beta-glucane content (which lowers bad cholesterol) and avenanthramides (which protect LDL cholesterol particles from free radicals).

Extra-virgin olive oil. It’s the go-to oil for its healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E content and phytochemicals. It’s not just for cooking — mix it up with some balsamic vinaigrette for a tasty dressing.

Oranges. Famous for their vitamin C, oranges also offer phytochemicals that help prevent disease. Another bonus: enjoying whole fruit instead of juice offers up fibre as well.

Red bell peppers. Known for their vitamin C and beta-carotene content. You’re better off eating red peppers raw or lightly cooked as overcooking can damage the vitamins.

Salmon, Soybeans, and Spinach

Salmon and other omega-3-rich fish. No surprise, it’s the high levels of fatty acids that make these choices a mainstay in the longevity diet. Trout, Arctic char, sardines and herring are other low-mercury options to try.

Soybeans. Like other legumes, they’re rich in nutrients but they’re also a “complete protein” — meaning they offer all the essential amino acids. They also offer isoflavones, which are thought to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer.

Spinach. Experts can’t get enough of this leafy green because of the vitamins A and C, beta-carotene and flavonoids content. Other leafy greens top many superfood lists as well.

Apply now for your Giving Visa® Platinum Rewards Card and start making purchases that make a difference! For more information about our featured causes, visit http://www.beliefnet.com/giving-card.aspx!

5 Positive Ways to Think About Aging

They are called the Golden Years for a reason. Read next feature >