Ten foods to feed your face younger
Each year we spend £3.8 billion on products to keep us looking young but according to researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, who studied more than 400 adults living in Australia, Greece and Sweden, it is the food you put in your mouth, not the creams you put on your skin that will be your best weapon in the war against premature ageing - so here's our guide to the top 10 wrinkle-preventing foods.
1. Blueberries
Researchers at Tufts University analysed 60 fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capability. Blueberries came out on top, rating highest in their capacity to destroy those skin-wrinkling free radicals. They also contain anthocyanins, substances which have been shown to be highly effective at strengthening the collagen in the skin preventing it from sagging.
2. Avocado
Studies show that substances in the pulp of avocados can actually trigger DNA to produce more embryonal collagen, the type we start our lives with, and which produces smooth and wrinkle-free skin.
3. Cabbage
Cabbage, along with other members of the cruciferous family of vegetables such as broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, radish and watercress are all packed full of age-preventing phytonutrients. Eat at least one serving of these vegetables every day cooked as lightly as possible to preserve their goodness.
4. Watermelon
Both the flesh and seeds of the watermelon are nutritious so try blending them together in a food processor and drinking as a juice. The flesh contains vitamins A and C — both essential for healthy, glowing skin. The seeds also contain selenium, essential fats, zinc and vitamin E, all of which help against the free radical damage that causes premature ageing and heart disease.
5. Mackerel
Mackerel and other oily fish such as trout, salmon, fresh tuna and sardines are a great source of both protein and essential fatty acids — two of the most important building blocks for the healthy renewal of skin cells. Eat one to two portions of oily fish a week.
6. Liver
Liver is an excellent source of both iron and vitamin A. Vitamin A enables the body to produce more keratin, a substance that helps to protect the skin from the elements. Iron assists the circulatory system to carry beneficial nutrients to all cells and take potentially ageing waste products away.
7. Soya milk
Soya milk is a great wrinkle preventer as it contains lecithin, which is a good source of the rejuvenating vitamin E. It also contains choline and inositol which has been shown to be effective in slowing down the ageing process of the skin.
8. Brown rice
Brown rice, oats, whole wheat cereals and wholegrain breads are rich in fibre which help to prevent premature ageing by ensuring your body can process the nutrients from your food as efficiently as possible - and when your digestive system is working well, your whole body will radiate health and vitality. The fibre in wholegrains also helps to stabilise blood sugars, stem cravings and prevent over-eating.
9. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great source of zinc which helps to prevent premature sagging and wrinkling of skin by keeping its support structure, collagen, strong. They are also packed full of selenium, essential fats and vitamin E, all of which help against the free radical damage that causes premature ageing of body tissues.
10. Oranges
Oranges are part of the citrus family which are all jam-packed with vitamin C - one of the best nutrients you can take to help repair and heal damaged skin tissue. In fact, citrus fruits are so full of anti-ageing properties that according to a recent study carried out at the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago even the very smell of them can help us appear younger! Researchers asked 37 men and women to estimate the age of a series of models in photographs while wearing masks that were infused with the various aromas and found that the smell of grapefruit or other citrus aromas resulted in the men perceiving the women to be six years younger than they really were!
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