8 Superfoods for Longevity ...

Longevity is a hot topic right now in the health world, and superfoods for longevity are becoming increasingly popular with people of all ages. Our immune systems are responsible for keeping us healthy, energized, and helping us age well. By strengthening the immune system, we are able to create a healthy state for our whole body that increases the possibility of a longer life span. Superfoods have been linked to longevity for their powers to heighten the function of the immune system, prevent disease and infection, improve mood and memory, and improve and increase energy levels. Each of these benefits lead to a longer life, and many of these superfoods also prevent depression and anxiety. Check out these superfoods for longevity and try one or two whenever you get the chance.

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is quite possibly one of the best superfoods for longevity, and a host of other health issues as well. Truly, is there anything this oil can’t do for us? Coconut oil has been linked to a better metabolism, enhanced thyroid function, and has been known to prevent depression, increase energy, improve focus, and best of all, it is a potent antiviral food. Coconut oil can prevent fungal infections and yeast infections, therefore it can ward off disease. Coconut oil's medium chain triglyceride fats also help to detox and support liver function, which is the most important organ we have for filtering out harmful toxins, diseases and unhealthy fats. I love coconut oil in smoothies, on cooked veggies, in baked goods, or for mixing into homemade energy bars.

2. Fermented Vegetables

I’m a huge fan of fermented veggies, though I haven’t always been this way my entire life. Though foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and homemade pickles don’t look that appealing, I especially enjoy them for the benefits I reap from these powerful foods. Most of us have damaged bacterial flora levels due to environmental toxins, a history of processed foods, previous exposure to antibiotics that killed off our helpful bacteria levels, and former or current diets of refined sugar. Birth control use also contributes to low levels of healthy bacteria in our guts. Almost everyone has damaged gut flora these days, unless you're part of the minority that eats a strict organic whole foods diet and avoids antibiotics. Fermented vegetables are one of the tastiest, healthiest fermented foods you can eat, which provide you tons of beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics. Probiotics are critically important for optimal physical and mental health. Fermented foods are potent detoxifiers, capable of drawing out a wide range of toxins and heavy metals, including some pesticides. This leads to a longer life span since healthy bacteria in fermented veggies wards off diseases. I love kimchi for a spicy bite but try sauerkraut or simple pickles to get in your fermented veggies. Organic kefir is a great option as well.

3. Goji Berries

Goji berries are excellent for your immunity, and are one tasty superfood! They have a delightfully tart taste, and are full of amino acids and Vitamin C. Goji berries also have fiber, antioxidants and are one of the most popular superfoods on the market right now. These bright red berries have been linked to an increase in life span, are a preventative food against diabetes, have been shown to improve heart health and arterial flow, and can improve mood and memory. Many people like to enjoy a goji tea, but I simply like to add them into a trail mix with some raw almonds, pumpkin seeds and raw cacao nibs for a tasty antioxidant-filled longevity treat!

4. Acai Berries

All berries are excellent for longevity due to high levels of antioxidants that help fight free radicals that can harm our immune function. Acai berries are one of the best sources of antioxidants you can get when it comes to the world of berries! These beautiful berries have no sugar, so they are also excellent for those with glycemic issues, or for those just watching their sugar intake. Acai berries are also one of the richest dietary sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are excellent for heart health, brain health, and can improve mood and memory. I like to enjoy the frozen acai packs you buy at the supermarket, which are great to use in smoothies. You can purchase powdered acai as well. Be sure to buy an unsweetened organic variety for the purest option.

5. Raw Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts have always been one of my favorite nuts of all. Though most nuts are great for you in raw form, macadamias are special for a few reasons. Raw macadamia nuts are a powerhouse of a nut, containing a wide variety of critical nutrients, including high amounts of vitamin B1, magnesium, manganese and healthful monounsaturated fat, just to name a few. They are also especially rich in a special type of saturated fat that wards off disease and can enhance the metabolism, much like coconut’s healthy saturated fats. I know we are mostly told to avoid saturated fats, but most raw plant sources of saturated fats are extremely healthy for us. Think about this as well: when our nation became obsessed with the low-fat diet, shying away from saturated fats, we turned into the most obese nation to exist. I strongly believe in the power of healthy, raw plant fats. Don’t fear this powerful nut! It is a great source of nutrition, and can enhance your immunity and longevity in moderation.

6. Spirulina

I am such a fan of spirulina! It is a powerhouse of nutrition and great for longevity. Let’s start with the basics. Spirulina is a blue-green algae and I know that sounds totally gross, but hear me out! Spirulina is great for brain health, mental function, clarity, heart health, blood sugar levels, your digestive system, immune system, your skin and your weight. It is also the richest source of protein, iron and B12 per ounce than any other food. Spirulina is only needed in about 1 tsp. per day to reap the benefits. Though it is a deep green color that can turn some people away from it, it is literally tasteless once mixed in a smoothie with a little fruit, honey or stevia. It increases your energy, improves your mood and can help you focus after only a few times of use.

7. Maca

Maca root is one of my favorite superfoods for longevity. Maca root looks like a turnip and originates from Peru, though it is conveniently sold in powder form so we can enjoy it here in the United States. Maca root is great for longevity due to its ability to nourish the adrenal glands. Our adrenal glands are weakened from stress, a poor diet, too much exercise or acidic blood levels, yet they are responsible for keeping us feeling our best. Our adrenal glands are critical for a healthy immune system and longevity. Maca's special feature is that is an adaptogen, which helps our body fight stress, inflammation, fatigue and depression, which balances the body on all levels. Maca is also great for our hormones, libido, and energy levels. I find it especially helpful to give me stamina throughout the day and prevent anxiety and PMS. You can use maca in smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt or anything you wish. It has a delicious caramel, butterscotch flavor and is low in sugar with only 1 tsp. containing 1 gram of sugar.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric is technically a spice that comes from the turmeric root. It is bright orange in color, and is what gives curry spice the popular orange color it is known for. Turmeric has been deemed as possibly the best spice of all to consume by many popular doctors and health specialists, including Dr. Oz. Turmeric has the ability to ward off cancer, depression, colitis, diabetes, heart disease, infections, and free radicals. It is excellent for your skin as well, and many women in other cultures apply it as a skin cream for beauty. Turmeric can be used in teas, baked goods, or in any cooked savory dishes. I like to use it over roasted veggies or sprinkled in some tea. I buy it powdered in an organic form on the spice aisle at the supermarket, instead of as a root form since the root form is very, very stout. In powder form, the taste is mild and is less noticeable. I find it excellent for acne, digestive upset and boosting my immune system.

Superfoods for longevity are not limited to this list. In fact, many everyday foods like spinach, blueberries, kale, strawberries, lemons, flax seeds, chia seeds and almonds are excellent for longevity. If you’re looking to take things up a notch, however, include the superfoods above into your routine to increase all areas of your health. Do you currently enjoy any of these superfoods for longevity?

Sources:
articles.mercola.com
doctoroz.com