Phytonutrients and Healthy Aging:
“Pretty in Pink” doesn’t just refer to what you wear, it applies to what you eat too! If you want to age gracefully with that ever coveted, vibrant and youthful “glow”, then eat your pretty colors. The purple and pink colors in plants come from phytonutrients (phyto = plant). These phytonutrients are called polyphenols, more specifically anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a subclass of flavonoids (scientists love classifying things). Why should you care about this? Because the anthocyanins, found in pink, purple, blue, and deep red foods, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. These properties are what give pink and purple foods their special ability to promote healthy aging.
Pink and purple plant foods promote healthy aging by providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, & anti-carcinogenic nutrients.
The Secret to Healthy Aging:
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are some of the major causes of aging and disease. Reducing them is one of the most important things you can do to promote healthy aging. Thankfully, both oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can be reduced with diet and lifestyle practices. The goal of healthy aging should be to increase your lifespan as well as your healthspan. This means you will not only live longer you will also feel better as you age. You will maintain your cognitive function and require fewer medical interventions. That’s what increasing your “healthspan” is all about, and that is why the diet and lifestyle choices you make now are so important.
Reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are the secrets to aging gracefully.
Pink & Purple Foods to Eat for Healthy Aging:
- purple or red cabbage
- purple cauliflower
- wild blueberries
- purple carrots
- watermelon radish
- purple daikon radish
- purple sweet potatoes
- cherries
- pomegranate
- red beets
- the list goes on…
Recipe for Spiced Purple Sweet Potato Wedges:
Ingredients:
- 1 Large Purple Sweet Potato, peeled & cut into wedges,
- Paleo Powder, or other Savory Paleo-Friendly Seasoning Blend,
- Avocado Oil.
Serves 2 People.
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400F & prep potatoes. I like to remove the skin to reduce the lectin content. For crispier wedges, refrigerate the sweet potato overnight & make sure the wedges aren’t touching when you arrange them on the baking tray. Bake on a parchment lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook time will depend on how large you cut the wedges, so keep an eye on them. To season: toss cooked fries in a splash of avocado oil & spice mix. Serve with Tahini sauce, if desired.
Want to learn more about what to eat for healthy aging? Check out my Easy Step-by-Step Formula for eating like a nutrition expert, or visit me on Instagram @cory.starbird
