Beets

Sworn beet haters take notice. This ruby gem boasts so many healthy benefits, it absolutely has to find a way into your shopping cart, whether or not you like its earthy flavor. A fiber-rich food, beets contain an animo acid called betaine that can help lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of inflammation, and help prevent and reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver. Win-win-win. When it comes to aging, beets contain powerful antioxidants that help keep skin supple and youthful and carotenoids that can ward off the macular degeneration that occurs as you grow older.

Asparagus

Asparagus not only boosts heart health, thanks to its vitamin K (which prevents blood clots), but this succulent vegetable also contains a special antioxidant called glutathione thats believed to help slow down the aging process. Whats more, the veggies other key vitamins, B9 and B12, may help ward off cognitive decline. Indeed, a study from Tufts University found that older adults with higher levels of folate and B12 which is harder to absorb as you age performed better on cognitive tests than those with lower levels. If that werent enough, asparagus is also rich in lycopene, which has been found to protect the prostate and help lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Carrots

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which actually gets its name from the classic vegetable. The body converts this beta-carotene into vitamin A, which in carrots is called retinol, an ingredient found in many antiaging creams. Along with being good for your skin and hair, vitamin A helps support your immune system, preserves good vision and may help fight cancer.

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Spring's Anti-Aging Foods - AARP News