If there is really any truth behind the famous saying, “you are what you eat”, then it’s time to stay clear of sugary drinks, salty food and fatty snacks.

As we age, our bodies not only change in how they look, but in how they work as well. Sun exposure, genetics, smoking, choosing food that are high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates over produce and good fats all contribute to aging your body.

You have to continually feed your body with food that boosts skin quality, improve immunity, and many more in order for it to run like it is supposed to. Although no single food can make you feel 22 again, a healthy diet can give you a hand.

Since aging is inevitable and we haven’t seen any traces of the fountain of youth yet, it is good to get some sound advice on how to slow it down for the meantime. Below is a list 8 foods and supplements to include in your diet if you want to be healthy, fit, and even more beautiful as you age:

Top Foods

Dark Chocolate It often seems like chocolate is a guilty pleasure that does more harm than good, but in fact, studies show that eating dark chocolate can actually reverse the ageing process. Exposure to UV radiation ages the skin more rapidly, but having dark chocolates (full of flavonoids) can help protect the skin against various types of harmful radiation.

Shrimp One of the most common sources of aging and diseases comes from inflammation. Shrimp have anti-inflammatory, cancer preventative, and anti-aging properties. Not only does shrimp rank as a very good source of copper, it also promotes weight loss as it has multiple mechanisms, from zinc that optimizes leptin levels to iodine that boosts the metabolic rate.

Berries Berries are not only flavorful, they are also nutritional powerhouses that boost health and provide value for anti-aging skin care. Blueberries contain a wide range of antioxidants that help protect the entire body from inflammation and oxidative stress caused by free radical damage. Goji berries are great as well as they contain high levels of antioxidants.

Garlic The S-allyl cysteine that is found in garlic can protect the skin from UV damage and wrinkling. Eating raw garlic in the morning reduces the risk for obesity, premature aging, and can help you avoid skin problems.

Sweet Potato Sweet potatoes contain a large serving of vitamin A and carotenoids, which are major forces in the renewal of skin cells and preventing the breakdown of collagen and are key components in the fight against wrinkles.

Turmeric More commonly regarded as the spice used in Indian cooking, more and more studies show that it has anti-aging benefits as well. The curcumin found in turmeric has a bioactive element present in it that contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric is critical to evening out the skin tone, controlling the aging process, protecting the brain, and improving memory.

Coenzyme Q10 CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant essential to normal cell functioning. Using it topically can aid in protecting the skin from UV rays and other external substances that cause damage to the skin. It helps firm the skin and improve wrinkles while aiding your heart to pump at its best.

Fish Oil In a natural wellness skincare regimen, keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized is key because when your skin is dry, it’s when fine lines are more likely to creep in in a more evident manner. A great quality fish oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can help moisturize your skin, add more years to your life and take years off of your face and body.

Because our bodies do not use as much nutrients as well as it was originally supposed to, it’s important to get savvy about supplements. Everyone to a certain degree will age in a different way, but what we put into our bodies and whether or not we exercise have really important roles to the way our bodies and brains respond to the aging process.

Experts suggest that the key to aging gracefully is simple: eating healthy and staying active. It is time to do away with food and habits that all conspire to erode the fibers that keep skin smooth, flexible, and firm. A healthy lifestyle, staying active, and a nutrition-packed diet can help you slow down the aging process and can aid in fighting off various diseases. Make the decision to be healthier today!