Most of us are keen to stay looking
as fresh and young as possible, and although there's no way to pause or turn
back the clock, there are few age-proof strategies we can employ to make sure
we stay looking good.
Maintaining a healthy and
well-balanced diet is one approach, and the good news is that there are some
foods that are thought to give you extra ammunition when it comes to combating
the signs of aging.
1. Avocados help fight signs of ageing, and
work wonders for your skin and hair. They help lower cholesterol levels, and
contain mono-saturated fatty acids that are good for the cardiovascular system.
2. Berries like blueberries, raspberries,
blackberries, cranberries, goji berries, acai berries, lingonberries contain
anti-oxidants that cleanse the body of toxins that cause ageing. They are also
a rich source of vitamins and minerals that nourish your skin.
3. Food like chickpeas, chicken, lean beef and walnuts
contain zinc, copper and selenium, required for collagen production. It helps
keep your immune system healthy and your skin soft and supple.
4. Oysters contain zinc and selenium, minerals
that act a anti-oxidants and help protect the eyes against disease.
5. Red cabbage, broccoli and beetroot are natural detoxifiers that
eliminate toxins and keep the skin looking fresh and clean.
6. Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that
can improve memory and brain functioning.
7. Tomatoes and carrots contain anti-oxidants, beta
carotene and lycopene that protect your skin from sun damage and repair skin
cells.
8. Water-rich food like watermelons, cucumbers and
celery are great for hydrating the skin and keeping wrinkles away.
9. Green tea: There is no end to the benefits of
this super drink; green tea boasts a wealth of benefits that earns it the top
spot in our anti-aging food list. Green tea is believed to help regulate blood
pressure, lower blood sugar, boost the immune system, lower cholesterol and
studies have even shown that green tea can be effective at preventing cancer.
That's as close to the elixir of life as you can get.
10. Leafy greens: Whilst eating spinach won't be
enough to turn you into Popeye, it's certainly excellent for boosting the
body's immunity from illness. Spinach and other leafy foods like kale and
collard are high in folate which is vital in preventing DNA and blood vessel
damage. If you can maintain a healthy circulatory system you are reducing your
risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes,
kidney disease and dementia.
11. Dark chocolate: Who would have thought this sweet
treat would feature in an anti-aging list, but the good news is chocolate can
help fight against some signs of aging due to its cocoa content. Cocoa
12. Soy products: Like fish, soy products such as
tofu are also a great alternative source of protein than red meat or even
dairy, since they have little or no saturated fat. A diet that's low in
saturated fat will reduce your risk of developing heart disease and lower blood
pressure. As a staple part of the Japanese diet, soy products are great at
helping keep down cholesterol and are a useful addition to a healthy diet.
13. Yogurt: Judging from their frequently bad
press, you might assume that all forms of bacteria are out to get you.
Thankfully, this couldn't be further from the truth. 'Good' bacteria is great
for regulating the immune system, by increasing its antibodies and preventing
the rise of pathogenic organisms like salmonella and E.coli. Many yoghurts
include a high volume of 'good' bacteria that help maintain gut health and
diminish the incidence of age-related intestinal illness. Yogurt is also rich
in calcium, which can help stave off osteoporosis.
14. Red wine: A glass of red wine adds up a good
dose of anti-aging elements including polyphenol antioxidants, minerals, and
resveratrol. Resveratrol which helps to increase 'good cholesterol' levels in
the body and prevents blood clotting and a healthy circulatory system.
Resveratrol found in red wine may also be beneficial for women during the
menopause by reducing the risk for conditions for example breast cancer and
osteoporosis that result from reduced oestrogen levels. Like the chocolate,
it's not carte blanche to guzzle as much as you want; we suggest a standard
glass every other day is a good approach.
15. Water: Few
people — whether active or not — drink sufficient water, and side effects of
even slight dehydration include headaches, fatigue and low concentration
levels. Yet increasing fluid intake can increase energy levels, aid digestion,
give skin a boost and help boost your anti-aging armoury. Concentrate on
drinking little and often throughout the day, being extra vigilant after
exercise or when you've been confined in a dry, overheated or air-conditioned
environment.
