Top 20 Superfoods and Spices for a Super Long Life

Cherry tomatoes on the vine,garlic and basil

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5. Tomatoes

The great thing about tomatoes is that no matter how you eat them, you win! For some vegetables, cooking them destroys some of the nutrients; in this case, when you cook these little red jewels, it only releases many of their key nutrients. Canned tomatoes (in bottles, not actual tin cans), tomato paste, tomato sauce, even ketchup (homemade is best) are all terrific sources of lycopene, which is a powerful and unique antioxidant shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Italian food, here we come!

 

6. Wild Salmon

Wild salmon is overflowing with omega-3 fatty acids, which makes this food a powerful ally in the fight against premature aging and heart disease. Ohio State University recently conducted research showing that eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help to preserve small pieces of DNA called telomeres, which are located on the ends of our cells. The shorter our telomeres, the sooner our bodies begin to show the signs of aging, and this can even lead to premature death.

 

7. Spinach

Popeye had a good thing going on with spinach, and he knew what he was talking about. This super low-calorie vegetable is full of numerous vitamins and minerals that your body really needs. Just one cup of spinach has as much calcium — which is vital to your bones and teeth — as a cup of milk. Spinach is also a good source of magnesium, something of which most Americans are deficient. Magnesium helps the body’s cardiovascular and muscular systems function properly. It also has vitamins E and A, which are important to the skin.

 

8. Kale

Another leafy green known for its super healthy benefits! Kale is high in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. It also contains lutein, which helps stop eye disorders and cataracts. Just one serving of cooked kale has nearly three times the amount of lutein as one cup of raw spinach. Combine kale and spinach for a super longevity salad you can’t beat!

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