Best Foods to Fight Aging

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MICHAEL SMITH, MD
Everybody is looking for ways to look and feel younger, and one of the best ways to do that is through food! So what's the recipe for healthy aging?

First, go for color. From dark leafy greens to bright red berries, a rainbow of fruits and veggies gives your body antioxidants that help ward off age-related cell damage and fiber to keep your intestines working well. They're also chock full of vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

Then there's protein. As we get older, we lose muscle. Protein, along with exercise, keeps muscles stronger for longer. Look for lean meats, beans, nuts, or seeds. Low-fat dairy is a good source because it also provides calcium and vitamin D, which can protect against age-related bone loss.

And go for fish twice a week. Fish has omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to boost heart health.

Add to that a side of whole grains. They lower cholesterol and keep your heart healthy. Good sources are whole wheat bread, oatmeal, and brown rice.

But also stay away from empty calories. These are the foods and drinks that have a lot of calories but not a lot of nutrition, like soda, chips, cookies, and alcohol.

Eat right, and you'll feel like you've turned back time. For WebMD, I'm Dr. Michael Smith.