14 Foods That Slow Down Ageing

Cher’s not the only one wishing she could turn back time. Whilst that’s not necessarily possible, there are ways to slow down ageing. Diet is one of them. Eating foods that are nutrient dense can work wonders on your immune system – which, in turn, helps to ward off conditions that can lead to premature ageing. Healthy eating improves mood and stress levels, too. Regardless of your genes, there are habits you can cultivate that will bolster your ability to resist time’s passage. Today, our gift to you is an introduction to 14 foods that slow the ageing process. 

It’s difficult to know where to begin. There’s such a variety of natural anti-ageing foods. Some work from within, whilst others are more effective when applied topically. Still others work equally well both ways. All of those we’ll discuss today help the body combat the ravages of time. They’ll promote smooth, supple skin and help to boost your defences. We hope that we’ll convince you to include at least some of them on your daily menu.

Long live olive oil

Olive oil is common in most kitchens these days – and for good reason. It’s affordable and it’s healthy. Olive itself is especially beneficial for your heart and arteries. It helps to regulate blood pressure. Studies also illustrate that it can help to prevent breast cancer. Doesn’t that impress you? Well, it’s also great for keeping your skin supple and well hydrated.

Three cheers for cherries

Sweet, tart cherries are packed with phytochemicals. These secret weapons are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. How do they help your body fight ageing? They reduce your risk of developing arthritis and arthrosis. Proficient at scouring fat from the arteries, cherries are on the frontline when it comes to battling heart disease.

Leafy greens love you

What do celery, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce and parsley have in common? No, they don’t all make you flatulent! They are all, however, a calming shade of deep green. That colour isn’t just lovely to look at. It indicates these plants’ potency. If you want to fight free radicals, you’ve found your friends. Antioxidants are strong here. Make any of them a part of your regular diet and you’ll slow the ageing of cells. Whilst you’re doing that, your green gods and goddesses will be busy soothing your digestive system, resisting urinary infections, protecting you against anaemia and promoting oral health.

‘Ave an avo

Creamy and decadent tasting, avocados are replete with mono-unsaturated fats. This is to say that they are experts at fighting bad (LDL) cholesterol. Eat half and use the other half on your face or hair. Avocado’s vitamin E repairs and smooth all sorts of tissues.

Garlic is golden

For preventing heart diseases and cancer, garlic’s got it. This bulb balances cholesterol levels and promotes efficient circulation.

Your pal, porridge

Porridge oats are hearty and filling, so they’re perfect for keeping in the trim – which is an important aspect of slowing the effects of ageing. They’re a super source of soluble fibre, so they help you fight those mid-morning snack attacks. The phytic acid that they contain also prevents cancer.

Pick strawberries 

There’s no excuse for not eating berries. These little gems come in an array of shapes, sizes and flavours – so you’ll never be bored whilst getting your daily dose of antioxidants. Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries – they’ve all got ’em. They’re peerless as natural pain relief, largely due to their fantastic ability to reduce inflammation. Berries are brilliant for maintaining your cardiovascular health.

Let in the lentils 

These unassuming grains punch well above their weight, helping to keep your bones strong. Chock-a-block with iron, they build muscle and promote good intestinal transit. If you want to feel full without eating loads of bulky carbohydrates, lentils should be on your plate.

Jammy ginger

Lucky for you, ginger root is fairly ubiquitous. You’ll find it at most supermarkets, so there’s no reason not to explore its many medicinal uses. Great for controlling nausea, ginger is a dynamic digestive aid. It promotes proper circulation and is your winter saviour, when it will blast bronchitis, nuke pneumonia and fight the flu.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed’s gift is its levels of Omega 3s, – and we all know how beneficial they are to heart health. Their fibre and antioxidants can regenerate the skin and keep it hydrated.

Green tea keeps you grinning

Renowned for its antioxidants, green tea is another friend to your heart. Of course, these very same antioxidants are also skin protectors and age fighters. For weight loss, drink a cup or two every day. Green tea boosts your metabolism and regulates the nervous system. Research has shown that diseases like Alzheimer’s respond well when this tea is introduced into the daily routine. You can even use it topically as a remedy for skin burns.

Tomatoes tame time

Skin loves the lycopene in tomatoes. That’s because lycopene is capable of preventing premature wrinkling. When you eat tomatoes, you’re protecting your body from UV rays and the damage caused by the sun. 

Buck up with broccoli

Isothiocyanates. You what? You read that correctly. Broccoli has them in spades. So what? If you care about keeping clear of cancer, you’ll take note – and get more of this cruciferous crusader on your plate. 

Give in to agave

Honey not the only golden child. Agave nectar also contains antioxidants and is marvellous at moisturising your skin. It’s antibacterial (especially blue agave), so it speeds the healing of burns, scratches and other minor skin injuries.

Exercise your common sense

Practise makes perfect and patience is a virtue. Okay, enough of the platitudes. All we’re trying to say is that – funnily enough – in the race against time, you must take your time. Include these foods on your menu more often and you’ll begin to see positive results. It won’t be overnight, but it will happen. Whilst you’re busy improving your diet, don’t forget the basics. Get enough sleep and avoid alcohol. If you smoke, quit. Choose water to keep hydrated and don’t leave your skin exposed to damaging UV rays. The sooner you resolve to have better habits, the better prepared you’ll be to hold back the clock.