We all know by now that antioxidants are fantastic in helping create an inner anti-ageing regime, to prime us for a healthier, longer and better looking life – both inside and outside. But do you know where to get these antioxidants from? There are certain foods which are better than others in packing our diets with these age fighters – here is a list of the best ingredients to add to your diet and why you should be eating more of them.
Cruciferous Vegetables and Leafy Greens
You have probably been told to eat your greens by your parents since you were a child, but there’s a good reason for this. These vegetables are loaded with nutrients, from calcium and folate to vitamin C, to support bone health, protect against cognitive decline and help to prevent eye problems which are associated with age. More significantly, studies show that they can also provide anti-cancer properties. Vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale and Swiss chard all count towards.
Apricots
A peach-like fruit, the apricot may seem humble but you may be surprised to learn that it’s packed with anti-ageing ingredients. The orange colour they possess comes from carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants which prevent heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and protect against cancer. The carotenoid beta-carotene can be converted by the body into vitamin A to contribute towards healthy eyes, skin and hair.
Berries
Berries have some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruits, with kale and spinach being the only vegetables to match berries in terms of antioxidant levels. Fresh berries have phytochemicals and colour pigments, known as anthocyanins, which have been shown to lower the risk of certain cancers, improve memory function and contribute towards healthy ageing. They also contain quercetin, a flavonol which is both an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen, to protect against heart disease and certain cancers.
Olive Oil
Mediterranean diets use a lot of olive oil, which contains health-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. These not only keep your heart healthy and reduce inflammation, but they also improve your skin circulation and digestion, and lower your cholesterol. All of these factors contribute towards a longer and healthier life.
Wild Alaskan Salmon
Staying on the side of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is rich in these healthy oils which offers a health boost. Selenium levels are high in salmon which protects healthy skin cells by fighting free radicals, which age the skin. Salmon also helps to protect the function of the thyroid, which keeps your weight in check and boosts your overall wellbeing.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are something found in foods so regularly we almost forget the properties they possess. But did you know that they can help to protect against sunburn? Studies show that people who ate tomatoes mixed with olive oil each day had 40 per cent less sunburn than those who consumed just olive oil. This is because tomatoes have lycopene in them, which protects the skin against oxidation that can lead to wrinkles and sun damages.
Raw Almonds
Almonds are loaded with vitamin E, which can be difficult to get from your diet. One small handful is enough to give you half of your daily dose, and this nutrient is great for protecting against ageing. It helps to protect the skin, as well as improving agility and speed as we age.
Avocado
Put them on salads, in sandwiches or as a topping to Mexican cuisine, but be sure to get them into your diet – avocados are packed with healthy fats and are also very high in vitamin E. The result? Shiny hair, glowing skin and a wrinkle-free complexion.
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