Everyone understands that eating right can keep them healthier, but some foods seem to be more potent than others in anti aging qualities. In order to make the most of anti aging foods, you want to find out which ones offer you the most antioxidants and fiber.

Protein

Protein is an important component in your diet. As we get older, we lose muscle mass. This is why older people appear to shrink. Losing muscle mass lowers the metabolism, making it easier to put on extra weight that, in turn, causes all sorts of problems ranging from heart disease to diabetes. Losing muscle mass also increases your risk of injury. Eating low fat meats like chicken and turkey can help a lot. Don't be afraid to add farm fresh eggs, beans and fish to your diet, either. All of these provide plenty of protein that provides the amino acids necessary to keep your bones strong and your heart healthy.

Produce

Blueberries have been getting a lot of attention for their large serving of antioxidants, but many berries offer you a good amount of both antioxidants and fiber. Antioxidants are useful because free radicals can cause a lot of damage to cells. Free radicals cause aging, inflammation and may be instrumental in the development of arthritis, heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and other chronic diseases. Antioxidants grab hold of free radicals, preventing them from attaching to other cells and causing havoc. Berries are also a good source of vitamin C as well, which is a powerful antioxidant in its own right.

Vegetables are useful, too. Spinach and dark leafy greens are helpful for keeping your eyes healthy. They are full of zeaxanthin and lutein, two pigments that protect your eyes from ultraviolet light. Vitamin K, which is also found in leafy greens, can not only help your blood clot when necessary, but helps keep your bones strong and prevents bone loss.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The most popular foods today are rich in omega 6 fatty acids rather than omega 3s. While we do need omega 6 in our diet, most people eat foods that are heavily weighted toward too many omega 6s and not enough omega 3s. Oily fish like salmon and tuna are good sources of omega 3s. You can also get it from flaxseed, walnuts and other foods.

Whole Grains

Grains provide carbohydrates, fiber and other nutrients. If you eat whole grains as opposed to white flour, you get even more fiber and nutrients that are usually removed during processing. Whole wheat, oats and brown rice are good sources of fiber. They take longer to digest, leaving you feeling full longer so you don't overeat. This, in turn, keeps your blood sugar at healthy levels for longer periods of time.

Vices That Are Actually Good for You

Although I would personally pass, we’ve all heard that alcohol is bad for you; it is fattening and packs on the pounds. It is hard on your liver. But studies have shown that red wine is a source of resveratrol, which is a potent antioxidant. If you don't care for wine, coffee and tea also offer antioxidants that help protect you from many aging problems. Dark chocolate has been found to help maintain health. Make sure you are eating chocolate with a minimum of 75% cacao or you won't get the benefits. Nuts are also a great source of protein and healthy fats that your body needs.