There are some fantastic anti-ageing products on the market. However, a big part of how we look and feel as we get old comes from within; literally. When we pack our diet with foods that promote skin health then we have already taken a big step towards looking after ourselves.
Building on our last posts where we focused on a wider range of anti-ageing methods, we’ve honed in on four foods that are great for anti-ageing.
Spinach
When Popeye the Sailor Man cranked open his cans of spinach I don’t think anti-ageing was top on his list of motivations.
However, the nutritional value of spinach may help contribute to healthier ageing. Spinach contains a high percentage of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and B6. Many of these nutrients have been proven in scientific studies to help tighten skin, lower blood pressure, improve the immune system and reduce the risk of brain disorders.
Serving idea?
I recently purchased a Nutribullet blender and have to say it’s made getting my five-a-day a lot more manageable, particularly when things are more hectic. I’ll use spinach or kale, alongside bananas, as a base ingredient in all of my smoothies.
Adding a little honey and either lemon or lime juice ensures your smoothies don’t taste like rabbit food and are something to look forward to in the mornings.
Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in vitamins A and C. They also contain anthocyanin, an age-busting antioxidant. This is what gives blueberries their famous deep blue colour, and you can find it in other berries such as blackberries, raspberries and strawberries as well. The difference in colour is created through the difference in the pH level of the fruits.
These powerful antioxidants may help protect skin from damage due to the sun, stress, and pollution by moderating the inflammatory response and preventing collagen loss. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is used to make connective tissue and support the skin, cartilage and bones.
Serving idea?
I love blueberries as they are; after all, they’re not cheap and taste great as a snack. However, if you do want to mix it up, try adding them to some natural yoghurt, adding them to pancake batter or top your porridge with them.
Nuts
Many nuts – in particular almonds – are a great source of vitamin E, which may help repair skin tissue, retain skin moisture, and protect skin from damaging UV rays. Walnuts also contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that may help with numerous anti-ageing features.
Firstly, Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen skin cell membranes, which are the part of the cell that protects the content of the cell from the outside environment. These acids also protect against sun damage and give skin a beautiful glow by preserving its natural oil barrier.
Serving idea?
Have some natural peanut butter on a whole grain piece of toast or stir it in with your porridge oats. Simple, honest goodness to set you up for the day or for a quick lunch idea.
Avocado
Avocados are high in inflammation-fighting fatty acids that promote smooth, supple skin. They also contain a variety of essential nutrients that may prevent the negative effects of ageing. Avocados contain vitamins A, B, C, E and K. They also contain potassium, an element that is commonly overlooked when it comes to longevity and anti-ageing.
The high content of vitamin A in avocados can help us shed dead skin cells, leaving us with gorgeous, glowing skin. Their carotenoid content may also assist in blocking toxins and damage from the sun’s rays and also help to protect against skin cancers.
Serving idea?
Adding avocado to a salad is a really simple way of getting those benefits. While you can be sure to find some fancy avocado slicers online, I find it just as simple – as cost-effective – to cut around the stone centrally with a sharp knife. Then simply use a spoon to scoop out thin curls of avocado flesh and top on a salad. It worked for me in the salad and seafood section of a restaurant when I was a teenager.
Closing thought
There are many foods out there that support anti-ageing. Many of these contain properties than support your wider health, so are certainly worth including in your diet. There is a fairly high natural sugar content in fruits, so be mindful of that, however.
Looking for anti-ageing products? Check out our range here.