Among all the protective measures you can take, studies have shown that diet plays one of the biggest roles in determining how long you live. While it’s more important to focus on food quality, quantity and the overall food groups that you consume rather than single ingredients, there are some star food players when it comes to eating for longevity. Amazonia Ambassador and Nutritionist Zoe Dent reveals the foods you need to add to your shopping basket to keep that glow for longer.
By Zoe Dent, Amazonia Ambassador, Nutritionist & Herbalist
Algae
There are over 40,000 estimated varieties of micro-algae that constitute the basis of the entire food chain, so given they have sustained life for as far back as records show, it makes sense that they are now considered a key food to keep a youthful glow. Marine-based algae are not only sustainably harvested without chemicals found in-ground crops, but they are also rich in trace minerals and micronutrients essential for an anti-aging diet.
Phytoplankton is an incredible, vegan source of brain food as it contains the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are also essential for nerve, cellular energy production, and muscle fuel. Furthermore, it’s a complete protein and high in vitamins A, B, C, and D, required for essential longevity requirements such hormone synthesis, stress reduction, eye health, tissue repair, and immune support.
Other powerful algae include chlorella, which is revered for its superior detoxification capabilities, especially in removing environmental toxins, plastic compounds, and heavy metals, and Spirulina, rich in powerful antioxidant pigments that can protect our cells and prevent premature ageing. These nutrient powerhouses are just two of the 9 sources of alkaline chlorophyll packed into Amazonia’s Raw Nutrients Greens, which is fortified with gut-friendly prebiotics and more than 74 trace minerals to assist the body’s natural detoxification processes and support healthy digestion.
Coconut
Coconut has been enjoying superfood status for many years for good reason. It is known as “the tree that supplies all that is known to live” in Sanskrit, and revered as a primary food source for many island nations. Recent research has highlighted that coconut’s water is rich in electrolytes and minerals making in an optimum source of hydration and nourishment for the nervous system.
Coconut meat is rich in brain fuel-providing saturated fat alongside MCT’s or Medium Chained Triglycerides, which are easy to digest and acts as a fast track energy source that helps your body use ketones instead of sugar as fuel and without the digestive discomfort of heavier fats, and thus why it is so popular in Keto diets. Studies have shown that due to the makeup of this fat, it can actually aid in healthy weight management which is a key cornerstone of a longevity diet.
Mushrooms
Finally, fungi, or mushrooms, actually make up their own plant kingdom, and their longevity benefits are just as impressive. A recent study by Pennsylvania State University discovered that mushrooms contain high amounts of the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione, compounds known to help prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In addition, numerous studies have been done on one of the active medicinal compounds found in specific types of mushrooms. Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom valued primarily for its extraordinary ability to increase energy and reduce fatigue.
It is high in beta-glucan, which is a type of soluble fibre linked to digestive and heart health, as it works to deliver oxygen to the body on a cellular level, which not only decreases the occurrence of disease but also increases energy and stamina. Another medicinal mushroom, Turkey Tail, is rich in polysaccharides and triterpenes, which give it its immunomodulating properties, providing overall immune support and regulation necessary for longevity.
Finally, Reishi mushroom shares this immune-boosting capacity, and as well as being revered for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to, and manage stress. With stress being a key cause of premature ageing, this ability is indeed paramount for longevity.
