They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but it also keeps the skin and body younger for longer too. Anti-ageing proponents and nutritionists have long promoted the benefits of a good diet rich in fruits, veggies and whole foods, but now research has uncovered the specific health benefits of many anti-ageing foods too. Below is a list of super foods that will keep you looking younger, fresher and glowing at any age. So start including them in your diet and you may even notice fewer lines and an improvement in your overall health.
1. Apples – They are one of the richest sources in the diet of quercetin, a type of flavonol (natural chemicals in the plant world) that helps prevent blood clotting, strokes and narrowing of the arteries. They also contain pectin, which helps lower blood cholesterol levels and remove potentially cancer-causing toxins from the body.
2. Apricots – are great sources of the anti-oxidant beta-carotene, the natural plant pigment that gives apricots their colour. Antioxidants combat free radicals the unstable molecules that play a big role in many diseases. The body can also turn beta-carotene into vitamin A, needed by the immune system to help keep eyes healthy and bright.
3. Bananas – Great source of potassium to fight rising blood pressure, which increases with age. Also rich in vitamin B6, these vitamins are needed for releasing energy from food during digestions for healthy nerves.
4. Brazil nuts – These nuts are the richest food source of selenium, which neutralises free radicals. Selenium is also needed to produce sperm, and by the thyroid gland for the use of iodine and to help control hormone metabolism.
5. Broccoli – If eaten regularly, broccoli is consistently associated with a lower risk of cancer.
6. Beans – Kidney beans, butter beans and haricot, soya and runner beans are powerful against the many symptoms of ageing because they contain a lot of phytochemicals (naturally occurring chemicals in plants). Among these are plant sterols and saponins to help lower blood cholesterol levels.
7. Grapefruit – This sour fruit is a good source of vitamin C and betacarotene and is particularly anti-ageing because it contains flavonoids that work with vitamin C to enhance its antioxidant effects.
8. Peas – Believe it or not frozen peas are among the world’s most nutritious convenience foods, often even richer in vitamin C than freshly picked garden peas. Also high in fibre they help lower cholesterol levels and release energy slowly so they don’t disrupt blood sugar levels.
9. Watercress – Is a good source of chlorophyll, which may protect you against the DNA damage that can lead to cancer.
10. Yoghurt – Has healthy bacteria that neutralise and transport carcinogens out of the body and produce anti-cancer chemicals such as butyrate. This bacteria also stimulates the immune system.
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