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.
