15 Powerful Foods to Stop Aging-Clear Skin and a Sharp Mind

I remember when I hit 50, I felt great and still young with tons of energy and zest for life. Once 60 rolled around, it was a totally different story. I took aging more seriously and did my best to try to slow it down.

I haven’t lived the healthiest lifestyle for all my 62 years. I just quit smoking after 50 years and finally changed up my diet, excluding sugars, pasta, etc. It wasn’t easy, but I knew it was time.

I just completed a 30-day no sugar challenge, which was really hard to do. You can check out the results here (the YouTube video) or here (the blog article).

Switching up my diet was hard, but I wanted to eat more foods to stop aging and eat healthier foods overall. The fact that I live in Guatemala means that sometimes it’s harder to find certain foods (like #1, #2, and #14), and some foods are slightly more expensive (like #8).

Because of this, I’ll double up on other foods that contain the same anti-aging properties (berries, other fruits, etc).

I want to share what I’ve noticed in my health, my skin and my brain since I started eating these foods to stop aging. It’s been nothing short of a miracle to be honest.

how my health has changed

I’m very conscious of my skin because I’ve always had bad skin, and in my aging years, I want to try to have the best skin ever. I know, a big challenge.

I stopped using soap on my face a few years ago and now I do daily masks with all natural ingredients and they work! You can check out this article here for a recipe for an all natural face mask.

As for as my overall health since I’ve changed my diet, quit smoking, and back at the gym too, I have a lot more energy, my mind is sharp and focused when I’m working and I feel really good. I feel like I also need to thank these supplements for their support of my brain health.

I always say it’s never too late to start taking care of your health. Remember, at 62 I quit sugar and smoking and started eating better and going to the gym regularly. You can start making changes right now and you will definitely notice a difference!

Anyway, let’s get to the super foods to stop aging. Once you’re done reading this, you’ll be rushing off to the market to stock up on all these yummy foods and don’t forget to check with your doctor before changing your diet, especially if you are on certain medications, have diabetes or other health issues.

15 powerful foods to stop aging

Here are 15 of the best foods to stop aging. I love every single one of them but haven’t had a cherry in ages because they’re practically impossible to find here in Guatemala. I usually get some when I go back to Canada to visit family.

#’s 6, 11 and 15 are fantastic ingredients to use in anti-aging face masks for clearer skin. Trust me, I use them all the time!

Make sure to choose these foods in their natural form, not canned or jarred as they will most likely have additives (like sugar) that are not good for you!

And remember, everything in moderation, especially #4! I’ll buy 100% dark chocolate and stuff little pieces in a date. Oh, yum! Try it!

1. Blueberries

Anti-Aging: Blueberries are brimming with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which neutralize free radicals that accelerate aging. They protect collagen, maintaining skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
Clear Skin: The antioxidants in blueberries combat inflammation, a major contributor to acne and other skin conditions. Their vitamin C content promotes collagen production, crucial for skin repair and radiance.
Memory Loss: Studies suggest that blueberries can improve memory and cognitive function. Their antioxidants protect brain cells from oxidative stress and enhance neuronal signaling.

2. Pomegranates

Anti-Aging: Pomegranates are rich in punicalagins, potent antioxidants that protect against collagen breakdown and stimulate collagen production. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties, reducing signs of aging.
Clear Skin: Pomegranate juice can help regulate sebum production, preventing oily skin and acne. Its antioxidants promote skin regeneration and wound healing.
Memory Loss: Research indicates that pomegranate juice may improve verbal and visual memory. Its antioxidants protect the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory.

3. Sweet Potatoes

Anti-Aging: Sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This vitamin promotes cell turnover, reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Clear Skin: Beta-carotene and vitamin C contribute to healthy skin by protecting against sun damage and promoting collagen synthesis. Their anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritated skin.
Memory Loss: Sweet potatoes contain anthocyanins, particularly in purple varieties, which have been linked to improved cognitive function and memory.

4. Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao or Higher)

Anti-Aging: Dark chocolate is packed with flavonoids, antioxidants that protect against sun damage and improve blood flow to the skin, enhancing its elasticity and hydration.
Clear Skin: The flavonoids in dark chocolate can improve skin hydration and reduce roughness. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help manage skin conditions.
Memory Loss: Flavonoids in dark chocolate enhance blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and memory. They can also stimulate the growth of new brain cells.

5. Mangoes

Anti-Aging: Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for collagen production and skin repair. Their antioxidants protect against free radical damage.
Clear Skin: Mangoes contain beta-carotene and vitamin C, which contribute to healthy skin by promoting cell turnover and protecting against sun damage. They also contain enzymes that can exfoliate the skin.
Memory Loss: Mangoes contain glutamine, an amino acid that may improve concentration and memory. Their antioxidants also protect brain cells from oxidative stress.

6. Papaya

Anti-Aging: Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that exfoliates dead skin cells, revealing brighter, younger-looking skin. Its antioxidants protect against free radical damage.
Clear Skin: Papain can reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. Papaya’s vitamin A and C content contribute to healthy skin and collagen production.
Memory Loss: Papaya contains antioxidants that protect brain cells from damage. While direct memory benefits are less studied than others, it’s overall brain health supporting.

7. Goji Berries

Anti-Aging: Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, including polysaccharides, which protect against free radical damage and promote collagen production.
Clear Skin: Goji berries can improve skin hydration and reduce pigmentation. Their antioxidants protect against sun damage and promote skin regeneration.
Memory Loss: Goji berries have been linked to improved cognitive function and memory. Their antioxidants protect brain cells and enhance neuronal signaling.

8. Dates

Anti-Aging: Dates are a good source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and carotenoids, which protect against free radical damage. Their fiber content promotes healthy digestion, which can contribute to overall wellness.
Clear Skin: Dates contain vitamins and minerals that support skin health. Their antioxidants can protect against oxidative stress.
Memory Loss: Dates contain antioxidants and nutrients that support brain health. Some studies suggest they may improve memory and cognitive function.

9. Watermelon

Anti-Aging: Watermelon is rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant that protects against sun damage and promotes collagen production. Its high water content hydrates the skin, reducing wrinkles.
Clear Skin: Lycopene and vitamin C contribute to healthy skin by protecting against sun damage and promoting collagen synthesis. Watermelon’s hydrating properties can also soothe irritated skin.
Memory Loss: Watermelon contains lycopene, which may protect brain cells from oxidative stress. Its hydrating properties also support overall brain health.

10. Oranges

Anti-Aging: Oranges are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that promotes collagen production and protects against sun damage.
Clear Skin: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and skin repair. Oranges also contain citric acid, which can exfoliate the skin and improve its texture.
Memory Loss: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects brain cells from damage. Oranges also contain flavonoids that may improve cognitive function.

11. Honey (Raw, Unprocessed)

Anti-Aging: Honey contains antioxidants that protect against free radical damage and promote wound healing. It can also hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation.
Clear Skin: Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help manage acne and other skin conditions. It can also hydrate the skin and promote wound healing.
Memory Loss: Honey contains antioxidants that protect brain cells from damage. Some studies suggest it may improve memory and cognitive function.

12. Apples

Anti-Aging: Apples are rich in antioxidants, including quercetin, which protects against free radical damage and promotes collagen production.
Clear Skin: Apples contain vitamin C and antioxidants that contribute to healthy skin. Their fiber content can also promote healthy digestion, which can benefit skin health.
Memory Loss: Apples contain antioxidants that protect brain cells from damage. Quercetin has been linked to improved cognitive function.

13. Beets

Anti-Aging: Beets are rich in antioxidants and nitrates, which improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin, promoting a youthful glow.
Clear Skin: Beets contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe irritated skin and improve its texture.
Memory Loss: Beets contain nitrates, which improve blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and memory.

14. Cherries

Anti-Aging: Cherries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which protect against free radical damage and promote collagen production.
Clear Skin: Cherries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
Memory Loss: Cherries contain antioxidants that protect brain cells from damage. Anthocyanins have been linked to improved cognitive function and memory.

15. Avocado (Fruit)

Anti-Aging: Avocado, while often classified as a vegetable in culinary use, is a fruit. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and antioxidants that promote skin hydration and elasticity.
Clear Skin: The healthy fats and vitamin E in avocado nourish the skin and promote a healthy glow.
Memory Loss: Avocado contains monounsaturated fats that support healthy blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects brain cells.

While there are probably many more foods to stop aging, these are the best ones and the most popular ones. They’re also affordable and available almost everywhere (except Guatemala, ha!)

Leafy greens, legumes and lean proteins are also great foods to stop aging as they support heart health, and keep your brain sharp too.

Remember that a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are also essential for overall well-being. Next time you’re out shopping, add some of these foods in your cart and start taking care of your health today!