Foods That Keep You Young

Okay, so maybe we can't actually stop the clock. But we can help change up your diet so we stay stronger, healthier, and more energized throughout the year and for many more years to come. Sound good? Read on. David Grotto, author of The Best Things You Can Eat, to learn which hard-working foods all stars function like a fountain of youth, and we found out that these 20 top performers can aid in everything from shedding pounds to sharpening your mind. (There are even some surprises along the way that turns out, chocolate milk is good for you. Who knew?) Add these hard-working foods to your diet, and make this your best year yet.

                   Bone-Builder:Hard Cheese

Yes, even dudes are at risk for osteoporosis, and when it comes to calcium, providing more calcium than softer varieties. Case in point: one and half ounces  of Parmesan has 500mg. These hard varieties also possess probiotic qualities to help your digestive system move smoothly, so, start grating. (It tastes great over salads and other vitamin-packed vegetable sides). 

                    Fiber Find: Apples 

                            

This fruit packs a lot of pectin, a soluble fibre that helps prevent cholesterol build up in blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart diseases. Plus, their insoluble fibre helps keep your digestive system going strong. "But don't peel your apple, two-thirds of the fibre and lots of antioxidants are found in the skin,"says Grotto.

             Post-Exercise Snack: Peanut Butter

Can't bounce back from a tough workout like you use to? Don't be deterred by the high fat content of pea nut butter, which is an ideal part of any post-exercise snack. "Experts say post-workout meals should definitely contain some carbohydrate and protein, but fat is an important component of them, too, as long as the portion is moderate," says Grotto. Peanut or other nut butters deliver on all fronts.

                 Perfect Pain Reliever: Ginger

If aches and pains are getting you down more than they use to, add ginger to your diet. Its powerful antioxidants make it an all-natural anti-inflammatory that can decrease post-exercise muscle aches, according to the Journal of Pain. Consume it daily and ditch your bottle of Advil.

          Ideal Recovery Drink: Chocolate Milk

Exhausted after a workout that used to feel easy? Go head and guzzle a glass of chocolate milk. Yep! We were surprised, too. But low-fat chocolate milk has has the ideal ratio of carbohydrate to protein to help you get the most of that exercise session, according to a 2011 study conducted by the University of Texas. More specifically, research participants who downed it instead of a pure-car drink didn't just have a better body composition (more muscle, less fat), but they also ended up in better physical shape overall.

                   Cold-Combater: Chicken Soup

As we get older; we can't fight off colds like we used to but that doesn't mean we need to let them slow us down. And it looks like Mom was right: A warm cup of chicken soup really can make you feel better when you're a sniffling mess. "Some research suggest that chicken soup may also work by exerting an anti-inflammatory effect on the upper respiratory tract, speeding along symptom relief and reducing the duration of the cold," says Grotto.