7 Foods Linked to Healthy Aging and Longevity

Eating antioxidant-rich foods may help protect your skin as you age.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Aging is a natural process, but certain foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties may help protect your skin. Dietitians and dermatologists recommend incorporating avocados, tomatoes, berries, dark chocolate, green tea, fatty fish, and almonds into your diet to potentially promote younger-looking skin.

Why it matters

As people age, their skin can become more susceptible to damage from free radicals and oxidative stress. Consuming foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help counteract some of the visible signs of aging on the skin.

The details

The article highlights seven specific foods that may offer anti-aging benefits for the skin: avocados, tomatoes, berries, dark chocolate, green tea, fatty fish, and almonds. These foods are rich in nutrients like monounsaturated fats, carotenoids, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids that may help improve skin elasticity, firmness, and resistance to sun damage. While more research is still needed, preliminary studies suggest these foods could be part of an effective anti-aging skin care regimen when incorporated into an overall balanced diet.

  • The article was published on January 30, 2026.

The players

Tanja Ivanova

A Getty Images photographer.

Roc Canals

A Getty Images photographer.

Anna Blazhuk

A Getty Images photographer.

Carol Yepes

A Getty Images photographer.

Iuliia Bondar

A Getty Images photographer.

Israel Sebastian

A Getty Images photographer.

Tanja Ivanova

A Getty Images photographer.

Katta

A dermatologist who provided expert commentary.

Kathryn Piper

A registered dietitian at The Age-Defying Dietitian in St. Louis, Missouri.

Allison Tallman

A registered dietitian based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“After three months, people were more resistant to sunburn.”

— Katta, Dermatologist

“Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries contain antioxidants, which preliminary studies show may prevent skin damage and also protect your skin from UV damage and pollutants.”

— Kathryn Piper, Registered Dietitian

“High sugar foods can really contribute to the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.”

— Kathryn Piper, Registered Dietitian

“A loss of muscle mass is the norm during the aging process, especially when one doesn't consume enough protein in their diet.”

— Allison Tallman, Registered Dietitian

“Focus on what you can add into your diet, like how to add more real, whole foods, rather than what you can take out of your diet. This makes eating more fun, less stressful, and more nourishing.”

— Allison Tallman, Registered Dietitian

The takeaway

Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like avocados, tomatoes, berries, dark chocolate, green tea, fatty fish, and almonds into your diet may help support healthy skin and potentially minimize the visible signs of aging. However, there is no single 'anti-aging diet' - the key is maintaining an overall balanced and nutritious eating pattern.