FOODS THAT'LL KEEP YOU YOUNG

Want to feel 10 years younger, in both body and mind? We've got a grocery cart's worth of delicious picks-all backed by science to keep you sharp, fit, and having fun.

- ALYSSA JUNG

The things many of us take for granted when we're young-having sharp vision, bouncing back from illness, being able to skip down the block-don't have to fade away entirely (even if you'd rather walk than skip!). The foods we eat can have profound effects on how we move through the world, and can contribute to both longevity and quality of life along the way.

The key is anti-inflammatory foods. "Chronic inflammation pushes your body's organ systems to work extra hard to achieve normal functionality" explains Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., author of Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked) and host of the podcast On the Side With Jackie London, R.D. "All that extra work is what ultimately damages your cells over time and can increase risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer" she adds.

So that's the big picture, but what's extra amazing about these types of food is that most of them have bonus benefits that improve specific functions of your body, like vision, heart health, and joint movement. Oh, and they're really delicious, because what's the point of feeling young if you can't enjoy what gets you there?

FOR A SHARP BRAIN

BLUEBERRIES

These tiny fruits are so packed with anthocyanins (antioxidants known for giving blue-, red-, and purple-pigmented foods their color) that they've become the berry of choice in brain research. "A growing body of scientific evidence is examining how blueberries can support brain health as part of a healthy eating pattern, and recent studies suggest that they may help ward off cognitive decline and improve cognition in older adults," says Frances LargemanRoth, R.D.N., a nutrition expert and creator of The Smoothie Plan, a new Prevention book.

WALNUTS