Foods That Make You Feel Old or Young

If you’re feeling sluggish, less energetic, or just plain old, the problem may not be so much your age, but the way you eat.

Believe it or not, modern science has pinpointed a number of foods that make you feel old and tired, as well as soe foods that make you feel younger.

 

Old Food: Sugar and Simple Carbs

Sugar does give you a temporary jolt of energy, but because your body metabolizes sugar quickly, you’ll soon feel sluggish and tired.

So before you eat, check the label.

Is there a lot of sugar? Are the carbohydrates simple instead of complex? Then skip it!

 

Young Food: Eggs

Not only are eggs a great source of energy-giving proteins, but they contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, considered essential to keeping your vision young and sharp. Keep your body young by having an omelet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

 

Old Food: Milk, Corn, Brown rice, Legumes, and Turkey

Each of these foods contains the chemical tryptophan, which scientists say relaxes you if eaten in small quantities. But eat a lot of these foods, and you’ll spend the day longing for a nap.

 

Young Food: Pineapple

The only food that naturally contains bromelain, pineapples reduce inflammation and swelling while speeding the healing process, keeping your body more vigorous and young.

 

Old Food: Fat

Any food high in fat makes your body work harder to digest it, which means you’ll feel more tired.

 

Young Food: Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is low in sugar and packed with flavanols that improve blood flow to your brain, making you think younger. Dark chocolate is also associated with better sleep, slower aging, and less fatigue.

 

Old Food: Caffeine

Sure, a little coffee perks you up, but too much leaves you feeling old and tired, so stick to one to four cups a day. Some people can’t even consume that much caffeine.

Scientists know some people are so sensitive to caffeine in food and drinks, a single cup of coffee or tea first thing in the morning gives them insomnia that night.

 

Young Food: Salmon

Science shows omega-3 fatty acids, which are found abundantly in salmon, remove plaque from arteries and keep your brain younger longer. Try one of these salmon recipes.

 

Old Food: Sports Drinks

Sports drinks seem like a good idea. They are full of water, vitamins, electrolytes – all things your body needs. But they can also be high in sugar and calories, which really drag you down. So unless you’re truly dehydrated, avoid sports drinks.

 

Young Food: Green Tea

Not only does green tea improve your complexion, according to many dermatologists, it may also prevent degenerative brain problems like Alzheimer’s.

 

Old Food: Bagels, Watermelon, Honey, and Mashed Potatoes

All these foods are high on the Glycemic Index, meaning they increase blood sugar levels. This makes you feel tired and crabby.

 

Young Food: Blueberries

Blueberries are low on the Glycemic Index, and are also scientifically shown to reverse short-term memory loss and long-term mental decline associated with age. They may also reduce your risk of cancer.