The 10 Best Anti-Ageing Foods

Wouldn’t it be brilliant to turn back the clock? Without a time machine, you’re limited – but you can look younger. The best anti-ageing foods will help. When you properly nourish your insides, the outside will reflect the care that you take. You’ll look younger and more vibrant.

As teenagers and young adults, we’re all able to get away with a multitude of sins – seemingly without any consequences. As you age, however, bad habits begin to take their toll on your appearance. They may make you look older than your years. Smoking, drinking alcohol and eating junk food will eventually do damage. The change may be gradual at first, but you’ll wake up one day and not recognise yourself. Now’s the time to start looking after yourself properly. Cultivate healthy habits. You can begin by incorporating some nutritious, anti-ageing foods into your daily diet. They’ll mop up the free radicals and slow the premature ageing of your cells.

Which foods are rich in antioxidants?

All of the foods we’ll suggest are anti-ageing because they contain various antioxidant compounds. They’re not just useful in your quest for timeless skin. You’ll also enjoy an improvement in overall health. Make them a part of your routine and you’ll soon see the benefits.

Gorgeous garlic

Who can live without garlic? It lends such a depth of taste to cooking – especially dressings and sauces. Besides its culinary usefulness, though, it’s chock-a-block with allicin and diallyl disulfide – both of which have been proven to slow the growth of tumours. 

Its antioxidant properties help to bolster the immune system against infection. Eat it raw or cooked in salads, soups and all sorts of other dishes.

Broccoli, you beauty

This deep green, cruciferous vegetable should be a mainstay on your menu. The clue to its enviable powers lies in its colour. All that green spells an abundance of vitamins, minerals and anti-carcinogenic properties.

Tender tomatoes

Ripe, juicy tomatoes are another indispensable ingredient. If you’re not already eating plenty of these lovely fruits, what’s your excuse. Loaded with lycopene (a potent phytochemical), tomatoes are brilliant for helping to prevent cardiovascular disease. They also reduce cholesterol, ward off infections and protect against prostate cancer.

Go for green tea

This refreshing beverage is particularly good for heart health. Some studies also indicate that it helps to reduce body fat.

Incredible cranberries

Just behold those beautiful gems. You can imagine how luscious they are. Not only that, but they’re an outstanding addition to your diet – do in no small part to their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory abilities.

Great grapes

In general, the darker the colour of the grape, the more beneficial it will be to your health. One of the reasons for this is because red and black grapes contain more resveratrol than green or white grapes. Still, you’ll be doing your body a favour regardless which colour you choose. These fruits inhibit tumours and have purifying effects.

Cheery cherries

Irresistible cherries are so good for you that we’re not sure where to begin. We can say that you’ll enjoy eating your vitamins. If you’re feeling constipated, cherries’ mild laxative effect can get things moving. Their anthocyanins relieve pain and their flavonoids help to prevent certain types of cancer.

Kindly kiwis

Did you know that kiwis are richer than oranges in vitamin C? Yup…they storm in at 137.2mg per serving. Compare that to an orange, with its (comparatively) paltry 87.2mg. We probably don’t need to tell you how important vitamin C is, but…we will. It is vital for to the health of your heart and the rest of your cardiovascular system.

Let’s eat legumes

Whichever you prefer, make them a highlight of your healthy diet. Legumes are packed with protein. They’re full of fibre and contain mammoth amounts of minerals and vitamins. You’ll never be bored, either, as all of the following are examples of legumes: aduki beans, butter beans, chickpeas, edamame, lentils (red, yellow, green, brown), peanuts, peas, soybeans and tofu. Indulge!

You should cacao

Cacao bean is more commonly known in its cocoa form, as either a butter or the main component of chocolate. An ancient food, its popularity is well merited. Just one of its attributes is magnesium, which regulates mood and improves the ability to focus.

All of the foods we’ve recommended slow the degeneration of cells and promote your body’s regenerative capabilities. They combat free radicals that can wreak havoc on our health. Of course, they’re not miracle workers. You need to take responsibility for your lifestyle choices, too. Make sure that you’re getting enough rest and exercising  regularly. You don’t have to run marathons or undertake hours at the gym every day. Mainly, it’s about moderation and making sensible choices. Combine with the right foods and you’ll be well on your way to inhibiting premature ageing.

Your balanced diet should be complemented with ample hydration, as well. When you drink enough of the right kinds of liquid (water, especially), your body absorbs nutrients more readily and eliminates waste more efficiently. This is reflected in your skin – and healthy skin is one of the primary factors in youthful looking skin.

Limit overexposure to the sun. We all love its rays, but they can be damaging. Even on cloudy days, you should opt for a reasonable level of protection. Your GP can help you to determine the best sun protection factor for your skin.

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Skin needs hydration to stay supple. Combine an effective and gentle cream or serum with good hygiene. Never go to bed without first removing makeup and the grime of the day. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and follow with a moisturiser that is suitable for your age and skin type. It’s a good idea to use a night treatment before bedtime. For day, you want to use something that will protect your skin from the elements. Exfoliate well. Once a week should be sufficient.

Useful tips and tricks…

Silica gel is an excellent way to maintain your skin’s moisture mantle. This mineral helps to lock in nutrients so that the cells of your hair, skin and nails can properly regenerate themselves. Look for it in topical products containing bamboo extract or supplements that you take internally.

It should go without saying, but…stop smoking! There’s little that will more readily deplete your body of nutrients. It damages your lungs, of course, but it also dries your skin and leaves you looking older. Wrinkles will be more pronounced, making you look unhealthy. When you smoke, your lungs are so busy coping with tobacco toxins that they can’t do the job of oxygenating your body properly. So…just don’t do it. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do, quit – for reasons other than just vanity.