Top 10 Anti-Ageing foods

Could these superfoods reduce the appearance of ageing?

Ageing is a natural process that happens to us all eventually, despite the media’s obsession with eternal youth. Cosmetic industries offer a variety of creams, pills and surgeries to counteract the ageing process, however the easiest way to feel and look younger is by following a healthy eating plan.

There are certain foods that are attributed with anti-ageing properties, these are called ‘superfoods’. Superfoods are defined as: “A nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being”, now according to this definition many foods could be deemed a superfood, but only a few stand out as having anti-aging properties.

Top 10 anti-ageing foods:

Berries

All berries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants that help slow the production of free radicals. While strawberries, raspberries and blackberries all possess these qualities; it is the blueberry that is most often touted as the superior superfood.

Salmon

Oily fish such as salmon is incredibly nutritious, containing Omega 3 fatty acids which fight the effects of free radicals.

Butternut squash / sweet potatoes / carrots

All of these foods are high in beta-carotene, which is essential for healthy hair and skin. It is beta-carotene that boosts production of melanin, the body’s defense against UV rays.

Nuts

A wide range of nuts such as walnuts, almonds and brazil nuts are rich in the antioxidant Selenium. Selenium slows the skin from ageing and improves its elasticity.

Oysters

The oyster may not be to everyone’s taste, but it is rich in zinc – essential for the production of collagen. It is the collagen in our skin that keeps it looking both healthy and young.

Lemons and Limes

Even though citrus fruits get a bad rep for being acidic, they are in fact high in alkaline. This means they are anti-bacterial and can help maintain a healthy gut. The juice from these fruits also reduces the acidity in your skin, which in turn helps the production of collagen.

Green Tea

Many teas are known for their antioxidant levels, however, it is green tea that wins the battle for supreme superfood. Green tea is best known for its ability to inhibit the actions of enzymes which convert food into fat.

Peppers

High in vitamin C, red and yellow bell peppers help boost the immune system and also protect against free-radicals. Peppers also help gums stay healthy by strengthening connective tissue, which could help you keep your teeth for longer!

Avocados

With avocados being used in so many topical skin treatments, it will be no surprise to find out that eating avocados is also great for your skin! As well as keeping your skin looking good, avocados also have fantastic cholesterol-reducing properties.

Water

Although water is not strictly a food, it is definitely worth a mention. A fully hydrated body will keep your body looking and feeling younger.

If you are interested in how a nutritionist could help you with your diet plan, see our Nutrition Topics page.