Top 10 Anti-Aging Superfoods

by OLIVIA WAGNER DEC 24, 2021

Declaring it here first: 2022 will be a year of health, wealth, and good sex (with triple-vaxxed partners, ofc). We all deserve it after the absolute sh*tshow that was the year 2021, aka 2020 the sequel. And although I can’t promise that you will be seeing more commas in your bank account or anything of that nature, I can guarantee you will feel a *bit* healthier after stocking your fridge and entire pantry with this year’s top superfoods. We have all the yummy secrets to eating the healthiest—and trendiest—foods in the new year.

But before you can take the official title of health goddess and culinary trendsetter, let’s talk about what exactly makes a food ~super~. Merriam-Webster defines superfood as “a food that is rich in compounds such as antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids, considered beneficial to a person’s health.” So basically, they’re foods, ranging from broccoli and salmon to blueberries, that are full of nutrients and offer a multitude of health benefits. I guess this kind of makes superfoods the badass superheroes of any complete diet.

Now that we all know the deal with superfoods, let’s get into what you clicked on this link for! Check out our superfoods list of 10 superstar ingredients that you will be reaching for in place of your beloved avocado, which didn’t make the list this year. (Don’t worry though, you are still totally allowed to order avo toast at New Year’s brunch!)

1. Mankai

There is a good chance you haven’t heard of Mankai, aka the world’s smallest veggie. I sure the hell didn’t know about this tiny superfood until Samina Kalloo, RDN, CDN, nutrition communications lead for Pollock Communications, clued me in on its protein and vitamin-packing powers.

Despite its micro size, Mankai has all nine essential amino acids, vitamin B, iron and over 60 nutrients, says Kalloo. “Plus, with only one in 10 Americans getting enough vegetables, Mankai is an easy and impactful nutrition solution,” Kalloo adds.

Eat it: Unlike a lot of other greens, Mankai has a neutral taste and texture, making it the perfect addition to your morning smoothie, your fave pasta dish, or guac recipe, says Kalloo. And for all the gorgeous, gorgeous girls who love soup out there, Kalloo recommends adding Mankai cubes to your broth for the heartiest of comfort meals.

2. Turmeric

You and your S.O.’s texts shouldn’t be the only spicy thing in your life. Turmeric, a spice that you probably already have in your cupboard, can reduce inflammation, improve memory, lower the risk of some chronic diseases, and fight against free radicals (aka what contributes to aging), says Kalloo.

Eat it: Turmeric is super versatile and can be added to nearly anything and everything. Add a dash to your scrambled eggs in the a.m. Sprinkle on top of your yogurt for a midday snack. And for dinner, try sautéing your favorite veggies with turmeric or adding it to soup. Keep in mind that just a little bit of turmeric goes a long way, says Kalloo.

Pro tip from a dietitian: When cooking with turmeric, add a dash of black pepper to enhance the absorption of the curcumin (the active compound in turmeric), says Chelsea Golub, MS, RDN, CDN.

View the entire article: COSMOPOLITAN

Top 10 Super Foods