Super-agers are men and women who, despite being in their 70’s and 80’s, are healthier mentally and physically than their age indicates. Super-agers tend to have the physical and mental capacity of a middle-aged person. This means they are physically less likely to suffer from physical or cognitive decline as they age.
There are a range of activities and behaviors that create a super-ager lifestyle, one of which is eating healthy whole foods that promote physical and brain health. Studies show that the same foods that help prevent heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases also promote health and wellbeing. That means foods have the potential to prevent disease and cure illness at the same time.
Super-agers Eat Whole Foods
Whole foods are foods that do not require any processing to be consumed. Whole foods include a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, and more. The key to a super-ager lifestyle includes eating plenty of whole foods and avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, saturated fat, and too much sodium.
Super-agers Eat the Rainbow
Fruits and vegetables have distinctive colors for a reason. The rainbow of colors indicates unique health benefits and consuming a wide variety of colors helps super-agers live longer and more healthfully. From the antioxidant benefits of blueberries to the anti-inflammatory benefits of Brussels sprouts, every color offers nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that fight disease and heal the body.
Super-agers Eat Both Pre-biotics & Probiotics
Gut health is important. Our bodies are designed to digest foods and use them for energy. Our gut contains bacteria and microorganisms that help aid in digestion and keep our bodies healthy. Eating too much processed food can reduce the level of healthy bacteria in the gut. Super-agers consume fermented foods, yogurt, and other foods that keep the gut healthy and teaming with good bacteria.
Super-agers Eat Healthy Fats
Contrary to belief, fat is important for brain health. Cutting the wrong types of fat from your diet can cause problems. Super-agers rely on healthy oils and fats to keep their body and mind healthy. Olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like flax seeds are all excellent sources of healthy fats.
Super-agers Choose Meats Wisely
While there is no requirement for super-agers to avoid meat altogether, there are some benefits to reducing the type and amount of meat consumed. Super-agers tend to eat meat less often than others and rely on a staple of fatty fish as a consistent source of protein. Those who choose to avoid meat often replace it with tempeh or tofu.
Super-agers eat well and focus on the recommended daily servings of foods that promote physical and mental health. Whole foods, plenty of water, and a varied diet all contribute to the super-ager’s ability to age well without many of the physical and mental deficits that might otherwise occur. The benefits of adopting a super-ager diet also include staving off heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses that can be prevented or reversed by a healthy diet.
