Age Fighting Foods
There are foods that are rich in nutrients that will help to fight ageing that you should try to include in your diet and should always be on your shopping list. Anti ageing foods are not just to keep wrinkles at bay but to feed your brain, keep your joints flexible and therefore increase mobility, boost heart and vascular function, boost immune system and increase your energy levels.
After all, it is not much good having a wrinkle -free face but to be bent double from creaky joints and mobility problems.
If you check our Food Pyramid you will see that the food groups that these individual foods belong to you are highly recommended.
The list of benefits from the following foods is extensive, so we have just picked out the top 5 facts to help you in the war against ageing. However, you may wish to take extra or supplement your diet by taking vitamins and minerals in tablet or capsule form. If so, then please click onto your particular problem or topic of interest and you will find them in the shopping list.
Avocado
Although the avocado is high in calories it is one food that should top everyone’s list because the benefits from avocado are many:
- Contains Vitamin E which strengthens the collagen in the skin
- Packed full of great oils they contain 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients all beneficial for great, clear skin and hair.
- Acts as a nutrient booster by unlocking the nutrients in other foods.
- Contains Lutein which is a valuable nutrient for healthy eyes.
- Lowers cholesterol and therefore good for your heart
Chocolate
Black Chocolate another high calorie food but it’s official! – chocolate is good for you - but only if it is black, with at least 70% cocoa solids and only if eaten moderately. 2 pieces per day is the recommended amount
Because chocolate is derived from plants it contains nutrients that you also get from eating dark fruits and vegetables it contains:
- Antioxidants which protect the body from ageing
- Flavonoids that can help with blood pressure and therefore good for your heart
- Can reduce the LDL count (the bad cholesterol) in your reading
- Is a natural anti depressant
- Boosts endorphins which give a feeling of well being and pleasure
Purple foods such as Blueberries, Blackberries, Red cabbage, Beetroot
All purple fruits and vegetables are high in anti oxidants and should be included in your daily diet.
Blueberries have received a lot of attention recently and seem to be the latest ‘superfood’ but in fact all purple foods are extremely good for you.
- Good to fight the effects of ageing and can even reverse the signs of ageing
- Promotes brain function with improved memory and learning
- Improves vision and good for eye health
- Anti-oxidants are a group of Vitamins and Minerals and enzymes that fight ‘free radicals’
- Helps to take the strain off the liver
Broccoli and the Cabbage family especially Kale
Broccoli has been on the superfood list for ages and the reasons are still current. But all members of the Cruciferous family and in particular Kale have similar properties
- Contains a high amount of Vitamin C which aids iron absorption
- Folic acid good for tissue growth
- High in fibre aiding efficient elimination
- Calcium for bones and mobility
- Triggers the liver to produce enzymes to detoxify
Oily Fish
Many nutritionists think that if you eat just one food you should make it oily fish. The benefits of eating foods high in Omega 3 are very well documented:
- Long chain omega 3 fatty acids are essential for brain function and memory
- Reduces joint swelling therefore reducing symptoms of rheumatoid and osteo arthritis
- These essential fats carry the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K
- Contains selenium to help protect against heart disease
- Strengthens the cardiovascular system.
Nuts & Seeds
- Great source of Vitamin E which is an anti-oxidant and may prevent age related brain diseases.
- Maintains good skin because they contain a good source of essential fatty acids
- Anti-inflammatory reducing symptoms of arthritis and joint problems
- Almonds with skins on for maximum polyphenols, good for vascular system
- Walnuts contain linoleic acid which is good for skin and lowers cholesterol
Onions and Garlic
- Onions & garlic have organosulphur compounds to help prevent blood clots
- A raw onion a day can reduce the LDL (bad cholesterol)
- Contains quercetin a phytochemical that is anti inflammatory and anti histamine
- Contains glutathione a powerful antioxidant
- Lowers sugar in the blood
Flaxseed & Hemp Oil
- Contains Omega-3,6 and 9 essential fatty acids
- Boosts immune system
- Helps reduce blood pressure
- Great for skin, hair & nails
- Keeps skin looking youthful