Okay, so maybe we can’t actually stop the clock. But we can help you change up your diet so that you’re staying stronger, healthier, and more energized throughout the year—and for many, many years to come. Sound good? Read on.
MF talked to David Grotto, RD, LDN, author of The Best Things You Can Eat, to learn which hard-working food all-stars function like a fountain of youth, and we found out that these 20 top performers can aid in everything from shedding pounds to sharpening your mind. (There are even some surprises along the way—turns out, chocolate milk is good for you. Who knew?)
So add these hard-working foods to your diet — and make 2013 your best year yet.
Carrying a little extra weight around your middle? Shed it by eating more whole grains like barley or amaranth (which, like quinoa, is a great source of protein). A Tufts University study found that people who ate diets rich in whole grains and limited refined grains had 10% less abdominal fat than those who didn’t eat this way.
Pile these stalks on your plate, because this cruciferous vegetable—full of phytonutrients that decrease inflammation—helps stave off lung, stomach, and other cancers. Plus, “these natural chemicals also turn on tumor suppressor genes, which slow cell growth so that damage can be repaired,” says Grotto. Eat it in everything from salads to frittatas.
This fruit packs a lot of pectin, a soluble fiber that helps prevent cholesterol buildup in blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart disease. Plus, their insoluble fiber helps keep your digestive system going strong. “But don’t peel your apple—two-thirds of the fiber and lots of antioxidants are found in the skin,” says Grotto.
If aches and pains are getting you down more than they used to, add ginger to your diet. Its powerful antioxidants make it an all-natural anti-inflammatory that can decrease post-exercise muscle aches, according to the Journal of Pain. Consume it daily and ditch your bottle of Advil.
Exhausted after a workout that used to feel easy? Go ahead and guzzle a glass of chocolate milk. Yep—we were surprised, too. But low-fat chocolate milk has the ideal ratio of carbohydrates to protein to help you get the most of that exercise session, according to a 2011 study conducted by the University of Texas. More specifically, research participants who downed it instead of a pure-carb drink didn't just have a better body composition (more muscle, less fat), but they also ended up in better physical shape overall.
Too little sleep can accelerate aging. In fact, in 2011, the Centers for Disease Control declared that insufficient sleep is a “public health epidemic” that’s been linked to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and depression. Yikes. So if you’re tossing and turning, drink some cherry juice, which is packed with melatonin that “may prove beneficial in improving sleep quality and duration,” says Grotto. Take a sip and catch some zzz’s.
Don’t get slowed down by stomach trouble. This bulb can halt growth of the bacterica H. pylori, which has been linked to ulcers, gastritis (stomach inflammation), and gastric cancer. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, other flavonoid-rich foods like garlic and tea can also stop H. pylori in its tracks, keeping your stomach settled. (But take note: anything deep fried—hello, onion rings—doesn’t count.)
Don’t lose your hard-earned muscle tone—keep those guns flexing with spinach. (One study found that the nitrates it contains might make muscles stronger.) But this veggie is a superfood for tons of reasons, and it also packs the most magnesium per serving (163 mcg per cup). Magnesium helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, and has also been shown to help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, says Grotto. If you suffer from digestive issues such as Crohn’s disease or frequent vomiting or diarrhea, you might not be absorbing enough of this nutrient. Sure, spinach is a great salad base, but this leafy green actually delivers the most magnesium when it’s canned or cooked.
Feeling like you’re running on empty? Try upping your iron intake. Iron’s a crucial mineral that binds oxygen in red blood cells, but we’re not getting enough of it, which can lead to impaired cognitive function, fatigue, and inability to regulate body temp. How can you get your daily dose? Liver contains the most iron per serving, but if you’d rather steer clear of eating organs, opt for white beans. The strong runner-up is rich in copper, folate, and potassium, too.
We think of OJ as the go-to for vitamin C, but it turns out that this tropical fruit trumps oranges big time. “One cup of guava supplies four times what you need in a day of vitamin C,” says Grotto. We need this vitamin to help protect against free radical damage that leads to aging, heart disease, and cancers. Plus, it contributes to collagen formation, which benefits skin, tendons, bones, and teeth.
This leafy green is a great source of vitamin K, which helps blood coagulate and prevents internal hemorrhaging. It may also help keep your bones strong as you age. Also, “high intake of cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, has been related to reduced risk of prostate cancer,” says Grotto. To maximize your benefits, eat cooked kale instead of the raw variety.
Unfortunately, halitosis (aka bad breath) gets worse as we get older—but mints aren’t the only cure. “Lettuce, often thought as being the least nutritious vegetable, may be one of the easiest and most effective tools you have at your fingertips to fight dragon breath,” says Grotto. Instead of toting around a box of Altoids, just eat a salad for lunch. (But FYI: nibbling on lettuce isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing, and trust us—you want to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen. A recent Turkish study showed that guys with gum disease are three times more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction!)