The Fountain of Youth Found In Superfoods

Although Ponce de Leon will forever be known as the explorer looking for the fountain of youth, History.com tells us there’s no historical evidence to show this was the reasons for his voyage to Florida back in 1513. However, tales of these sacred waters that were purported to reverse the aging process and cure the sick existing long before the birth of the Spanish explorer in 1474. They can be traced back to the times of when Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC when he described finding healing “river of paradise.”

While we’ll never likely find waters that will stop the aging process altogether, there are still some edible ways we can live longer through the consumption of superfoods. These healthier choices can naturally provide extra nutritional benefits, more nutrients and help to increase longevity.

Coconut Oil

There is a recent story linking the benefits of coconut oil that helped reverse the progress of dementia in a one-hundred-year-old woman. By added a couple of tablespoons to her morning oatmeal and cooking all meals with this tropical oil, the child of this centurion claims it made a drastic difference in the mental health of their aging parent.

Adding coconut oil to your diet and applying topically is said to have a number of healthy benefits including increased energy expenditure while helping the body to burn more fat, improving cholesterol levels, moisturizing aging skin, helping to ward off diseases and kill bacteria. Everyone should consider adding this healthy superfood and oil into their diet for weight loss and a better brain health.

Dark Greens

Practically everyone’s mother told them to eat more green vegetables like spinach, so they would grow up big and strong. Just like chocolate, the darker, the better and foods like kale, mustard greens and broccoli are good examples of healthy vegetables that can also help to naturally lower cholesterol levels.

They will also contain carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin which help to preserve our vision. A good source of B vitamins that help the body convert carbs into glucose that helps produce more energy. High in calcium, they assist with better bone health and mass while reducing the risk of developing certain types of cancer, especially in the colon.

Fish

Often called “brain food,” fish like salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids that offer better brain function and can help improve memory. Assorted shellfish like shrimp and crab, are high in iron, magnesium, B12 and potassium, which are all great for maintaining brain power.

Dairy

Rich in calcium, there’s many more sources than milk, non-fat yogurts, devoid of sugars and artificial ingredients are a great source of calcium and vitamin D to keep our bones in tip-top shape. Other healthy alternatives include cheese and cottage cheese, while vegetables and fortified orange juice can also supply our bodies with these important nutrients.

Fiber

Getter more fiber into our diets is easy by adding more to our menu through foods like beans, artichokes, berries, avocados, oatmeal and bran flakes found in cereals like Bran Flakes or All Bran. Skipping out on a daily dose of fiber can lead to things like constipation that can make going to the bathroom a nightmare. Fiber helps to regulate digestion and helps to control blood sugar.

But too much of a good thing can lead to bran moving too quickly through the digestive system and not being absorbed into the bloodstream. It can also cause uncomfortable gas, a bloated feeling and cramping, especially if too much is ingested before bedtime, which is why so many people eat it for breakfast.

There’s also foods to avoid to in order to become healthier and live longer lives, things like sugar and processed oils will often do more harm than good. Watching what goes into our mouths, getting enough sleep and more exercise is good at any age, but is especially beneficial for seniors.