Growing old is hard. The aging process is not kind on us. The worst bit is, age creeps up on you so quietly that you don’t even realize it until one day you look in the mirror and barely recognize yourself. However, all is not lost. Practicing healthier habits can positively affect the aging process and help you slow down if you want to turn back the clock—now.
7 Anti-Aging Tips To Reverse The Clock
1. Shed the extra pounds
Losing weight is number one on our list for obvious reasons. A trim body not only gives the illusion of youth, it can add years to your life. According to some research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there is a direct link between obesity and increased risk of life-threatening diseases like heart problems, diabetes, embolisms, and even some forms of cancer.
Extra weight also makes you sluggish and lazy. Luckily, the research also suggests that by losing just 10 percent of your total body weight, there will be a remarkable increase in life expectancy and your overall health. How long does it take to lose 10 pounds? Not very long at all if you consider the benefits.
2. Eat your greens
If you eat green vegetables with all your meals, it will help you stay healthier for longer. Research on Alzheimer’s & dementia has proven that eating more leafy greens has been explicitly linked to lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease and other instances of brain aging (1).
The antioxidants that green leafy vegetables contain also does wonders for how your skin looks. This means that eating your greens regularly will not only help you retain your mental prowess, it will also ensure you look fresh, radiant, and youthful.
3. Fill up on Eggs
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Ditch carb-rich breakfast options and fill up on eggs instead. Eggs are a great combatant against aging. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin discovered that lutein and zeaxanthin, both components of egg yolks, can keep macular degeneration at bay. This means that your eyes will remain clear and healthy as you age. Eggs are also a great food for weight loss and maintenance. Make sure yours are organic free-range eggs, which are the healthier choice!
4. Practice safe sun exposure
While exposure to sunlight is important in order to get the requisite amounts of vitamin D, too much sun is not a good thing. Vitamin D is responsible for maintaining metabolism, mood and other important health aspects, but you should be careful about unnecessary exposure and invest in a good sunscreen.
Too much sun increases the risk of skin cancer, causes dark spots and wrinkles due to sun damage, all affecting your longevity and making you look years older than you are. Practice safe sun exposure by using sunscreen regularly and stop the aging process.
5. Snack on super fruits
Ditch unhealthy packaged snacks and eat these super fruits instead. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which keeps your heart healthy and reduces muscle cramps. The resistant starch found in bananas leads to healthier gut bacteria, which decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Resveratrol, a compound found in red grapes, helps keep off belly fat and is linked to improved circulation in the eyes which helps maintain your eyesight as you get older.
Oranges, strawberries and kiwis are high in vitamin C which increases collagen production in your body. Collagen keeps cellulite and sagging at bay by increasing the firmness of your skin, making you look younger than ever.
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Apricots contain beta-carotene, which lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive decline.
Blueberries help maintain youthful glow and the anthocyanin they contain significantly reduces the risk of dementia as you age.
6. Focus on Positivity and Smile
Positive thinking can go a long way in your quest for anti-aging. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that people who reflected positively on their lives decreased their risk of death significantly. Additionally, focusing on the positives makes you happier and seem more youthful. Smiling makes you look younger.
7. Exercise & Sleep
Sitting all day speeds up the aging process, increases the risk of obesity and the risk of premature death. To keep your body healthy and youthful, make it a point to stay active. Go for a walk, swim, play with your kids or grandkids, do any activity as long as you get up and move about at least once every hour. Finally, a good night’s sleep is the best way to stop the aging process.
