It’s no secret the average American diet isn’t the pinnacle of good nutrition. Quite to the contrary, experts around the world claim that our reliance on high-sugar, high-fat, highly-processed foods is killing us far earlier than necessary.
As such, if you’re looking for ways to live longer, the best place to start is usually with the foods you eat—or, more likely, the foods you don’t. One of the biggest reasons our diets contribute to a shorter lifespan is that they’re lacking in crucial vitamins and minerals.
Which vitamins for longevity should be a cornerstone of your diet, and how can you make sure you’re getting enough of them? Keep reading to find out.
Vitamin B Complex
If you’re trying to figure out how to live longer, Vitamin B is one of the most important vitamins you can add to your diet. It comes in many forms, including:
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
- Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
- Biotin (Vitamin B7)
- Folate (Vitamin B9)
- Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Between all the different forms, B vitamins have substantial effects on your entire body. They help with DNA replication and repair, nervous system regulation, nutrient absorption, and cardiovascular health. They can even help prevent skin damage from sun exposure and age-related brain shrinking.
The problem with B vitamins is that they’re water-soluble, meaning they aren’t stored long-term in your body. As you get older, it also gets harder for your body to absorb the small amounts found in foods.
As such, taking a daily Vitamin B Complex supplement is the best solution for many people who are low in these essential nutrients. These supplements contain every type of Vitamin B, ensuring your body has a chance to absorb everything it needs. If you’re still curious about the many health benefits of Vitamin B Complex, you can find out more here.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most highly-touted vitamins in the world of nutrition, and they didn’t come by that reputation by mistake. They can help your body fight off depression, improve eye health and vision, reduce inflammation, and even lower your risk of heart disease.
Along with supplements, you can get Omega-3s in your diet by eating fatty fish like tuna, herring, lake trout, and anchovies. Vegetarians can turn to chia seeds, Brussels sprouts, algal oil, walnuts, and flaxseeds for their daily dose.
Polyphenols
Have you eaten any blueberries yet today? If not, you’re missing out on your daily polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that promotes brain health and longevity. They’re so effective, in fact, that they’re under investigation as a preventative measure and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
Along with blueberries, you can also get polyphenols from other colorful foods like coffee, red cabbage, and cacao. If you have a family history of dementia, you might also want to take them in supplement form along with modifying your diet.
It’s Time to Add These Vitamins for Longevity Into Your Diet
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all diet or a 100% effective mix of supplements. Even so, making sure you eat a diet rich in these vitamins for longevity can give your body its best shot at supporting you through a long, healthy life.
Are you still looking for information on the best vitamins for other health conditions? Want to maximize your health and productivity in other ways? If so, stay right where you’re at and keep reading through the other articles on our site.