Anti Aging Vegetables

There’s a reason that “eat your vegetables” is a familiar phrase in American culture. Veggies might not be everyone’s favorite food, but they’re some of the most important ingredients required for a healthy diet.

Children may turn up their noses at brussels sprouts (although not without a fight from mom), but seniors can’t afford to avoid vegetables in their regular diet. The nutrients they provide translate into real health and lifestyle benefits.

Here are a few you should try to keep in regular rotation in your diet.

1. Eggplant

Eggplants contain an antioxidant called nasunin that protects brain cells from damage. They can help keep your mind and memory stronger longer. The amount of nasunin in eggplants with darker skin is especially high, so keep an eye out for the color of those you buy, and keep the skin on when you eat them for best results.

Eggplants can also help bring down cholesterol levels and improve blood flow. That makes them good for the heart and the brain – both of which have a pretty important role to play in your day-to-day enjoyment of life.

More veggies that are good for mind and memory: For even more brain-boosting benefits, consider broccoli, which is packed with vitamin K that’s good for improving brainpower, and tomatoes, which have antioxidants like lycopene that are also known to help.

2. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a powerful ingredient for combating disease. They help strengthen your white blood cells, which are then better warding off sickness. Some people believe they can help reduce tumor growth as well.

From cancer to the common cold, mushrooms can be used as a tool to boost your immune system and give you more sick-free days.

More veggies for a stronger immune system: Asparagus and broccoli are both packed with antioxidants and vitamins that also build up your immune system.

3. Spinach

Remember when you were young and full of energy? You may not be able to count on the kind of full, active days that were once the norm, but you can do something simple to up your energy: eat spinach.

Spinach is rich in iron, which makes sure your body tissues get the oxygen they need. It also gives a good dose of vitamin C, which helps your body recover more quickly from the signs of stress, which cause fatigue.

More energy-boosting veggies: Being a complex carbohydrate, sweet potatoes also have a reputation for increasing energy. Snacking on edamame can also help, as it’s high in fiber and protein.

4. Kale

Not having enough calcium can lead to bone mass. That can have some pretty serious health implications, making minor falls into medical emergencies. Luckily, kale provides both Vitamin K and Calcium. Add a few healthy doses of kale to your diet each week and you won’t have to worry as much about the strength of your bones.

More veggies that strengthen bones: Pretty much any leafy greens are good for this, so the list of alternatives is long: collard greens, turnip greens, okra, Chinese cabbage, dandelion greens, mustard greens and broccoli.

5. Beets

With that deep purple coloring, you have to figure beets deliver a strong dose of nutrients. They’re high in fiber and iron, making them useful for improving your digestion. Between the various vitamins and antioxidants they offer, they can also help fight off cancer, reduce inflammation, and lower your blood pressure.

More vegetables for better digestion: Zucchini, artichokes and peas are all also high in fiber, and can help you keep your digestive system working right.

If you’re not crazy about the taste of vegetables on their own, have no fear. The internet is packed to the brim with recipes that will help you turn these veggie ingredients into something delicious. The health benefits will make a dietary shift well worth it.

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Kristen Hicks

Kristen Hicks is an Austin-based copywriter and lifelong student with an ongoing curiousity to learn and explore new things. She turns that interest to researching and exploring subjects helpful to seniors and their families for SeniorAdvisor.com.