Post: Scientists Say These Superfoods May Help You Live Longer

Hands of woman mixing lettuce and spinach in a bowl of glass to make a salad If you’ve vowed to eat better but don’t have a degree in food science to interpret food labels, allow this list of nutrient-dense nosh—also known as superfoods—to help. These foods not only score big on nutrition but also can help protect against conditions such as heart disease and cancer (this disease-fighting effect makes them "super"). The best part? They’re relatively easy to add to your diet. There’s no need to hit up the specialty foods store or concoct any unusual combos to reap the benefits of superfoods. What Exactly Are Superfoods?

"Superfood" is a marketing term. "There’s no scientific meaning," says Jason Ewoldt, M.S., R.D.N. at Mayo Clinic . "But by today’s standards, the definition tends to be a food that’s high in compounds such as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, or fiber, and as a result, is considered to be beneficial to one’s health." Many foods get tagged as superfoods because of their connection to longevity.

While there’s a large body of research examining whether certain foods can impact key factors in aging, it’s also important to understand that you can’t just rely on one food group for good health. "No single food will ever be the key to longevity and wellness," says Ewoldt. "Optimal health is best supported by eating a variety of different foods each day that help meet our overall nutritional needs. Think overall dietary pattern, not individual foods or ingredients."

Here are the foods scientists say may help you live longer—and exactly how to add them to your diet. Berries

boonchai wedmakawand//Getty Images "Berries are high in disease-fighting flavonoids, or antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which give the berries the blue, red, or purple colors," says Ewoldt. "When looking at berries, those with high levels of anthocyanins include blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries." According to a recent review , the abundance of phytochemicals in berries may protect against age-related neurodegenerative diseases by reducing inflammation and improving the brain’s neuroplasticity. Another recent study found that higher intakes of berries and flavonoids were associated with […]

Scientists Say These Superfoods May Help You Live Longer