You’ve probably seen commercials or magazine ads featuring celebrities promoting the latest anti-aging serums. Maybe you’ve even splurged on some of the products yourself. But as we all know, there is no magic elixir that is completely reverse the inevitable effects of aging.
However, there are several ingredients that you can incorporate into your diet that can help with the aging process. And what better way to do it than by blending them into a refreshing smoothie?
According to our board of medical experts members Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT, and Lyssie Lakatos, RDK, CDN, CFT, aka The twins of nutritionthe best smoothie to fight aging is a wild blueberry chai protein shake.
Packed with nutrients, this beverage covers several bases when it comes to looking and feeling younger. Read on to discover the benefits of each ingredient. And for more anti-aging tips, check out The 5 best lifestyle habits that will keep you feeling young, says science.
There’s a reason these little blue gems have become popular as a “superfruit.” blueberries They’re revered for their potent antioxidant content, and wild blueberries take things up a notch. Despite being small, they have twice the antioxidants and 33% more healthy anthocyanins (a type of flavonoid) than regular blueberries
“All of this antioxidant power is so important when it comes to keeping skin youthful, as antioxidants scavenge free radicals that damage and age skin,” say Nutrition Twins.
These antioxidants are known to help decrease inflammationwhich, in turn, prevents some of the cell damage that naturally occurs with age.
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Protein is crucial for the production of collagen, which helps keep skin supple, elastic, and youthful. The main ingredient in Nutrition Twins for this shake is pea protein powderbut this can also be replaced by garbanzo beans. Legumes like pea protein and chickpeas are also great sources of plant-based protein and fiber, so they help keep you full, which can ultimately aid in weight loss.
While these protein sources help you look younger on the outside, like blueberries, their anti-inflammatory properties also fight aging on the inside, say The Nutrition Twins.
Spices are celebrated for their plethora of health benefitsand this chai spice mix is packed with them. Cinnamonginger and cardamom not only elevate the flavor of the smoothie, but also contain powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and protect cells against diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease and cancer.
While the trio of spices actively work to defend and repair the body’s cells, cinnamon plays an especially notable role in lower blood sugartoo.
“Continuous high blood sugar levels are likely to react with proteins in the body such as collagen and can cause loss of elasticity, premature wrinkles, and can create brown spots or ‘age spots,'” say The Nutrition Twins.
Related: The 33 Best Foods For Radiant, Blemish-Free Skin
Ready to whip up this delicious and healthy anti-aging concoction? This is what you will need:
- 2/3 cup frozen wild blueberries
- 1/2 small banana
- 1 scoop (20 grams) plain pea protein powder (or a vanilla flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 pinch ground cardamom
- 3 ice cubes
Optional toppings for your shake can include water (to thin the shake to desired thickness), 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (for an extra antioxidant/anti-inflammatory boost), 1 to 2 drops liquid stevia (for extra sweetness if your banana is underripe or you want a little extra sweetness when using plain protein powder)
To substitute canned chickpeas, omit the protein powder and substitute 1/2 cup unsalted canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
For more healthy eating news, check out 10 easy recipes to make to lower cholesterol.
