Much as we all would wish the Fountain of Youth which is said to hold mystical powers, delivering eternal youth and beauty, is just a legend. So what can you do to maintain your youthful looks? Of course after factoring genetics and the normal process of the body’s aging there are ways to slow down the process. The inclusion of certain foods in your daily diet has been found to have great anti-aging effects. Popularly called super foods, these are nutrient-rich foods that provide medicinal benefits. Here’s a list of the latest super foods to help you get aboard the anti-aging train:
Beauty from the inside out – Supplements /super foods for anti-aging
Maqui berries
These Chilean berries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidant anthocyanins! The purple pigment in certain foods are associated with anti-aging, they taste a little bitter but come with a high nutritional punch. You can buy them as concentrated powder to add to juices, smoothies and breakfast bowels.
Turmeric
The bright yellow colour of turmeric derives from its active component, curcumin. Studies have shown that curcumin has protective effects against skin-damaging chemicals and environmental pollutants. Curcumin protects the skin by combating free radicals and reducing inflammation. There is also evidence to suggest that curcumin may help the following skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne. It also promotes collagen synthesis, and when used topically it can help renew the skin by acting as a stimulator for skin elasticity and firmness, in turn fighting any wrinkles and fine lines.
Turmeric powder can be used as a spice to add to food or drinks, liquid from the root can also be extracted to add to juices or taken as a shot.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are packed full of one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids which help provide building blocks for healthy skin cell function and new collagen production to keep the skin strong and wrinkle free! They are great to add to your breakfast smoothie or even better you could try making a chia pudding adding nut/coconut milk and fresh fruit or berries.
Tiger Nuts
Tiger nuts have many nutritious components; they also act as a source of antioxidant. Vitamin E from tiger nuts perform its role as an anti-oxidant agent which has been proven to slow down the aging process. They are delicious just eaten whole as a healthy snack or if you are feeling really adventurous you can even try making tiger nut Milk!
Goji berry
Nutrient rich berries, these are common throughout Asia and can be found at major supermarkets. These are known to help lower inflammation, improve digestive health and are famous as healthy collagen promoters – proteins needed for smooth, younger-looking skin.
Spirulina
This blue-green microalgae is nothing less than a nutrition bomb! There are hardly any nutrients that it doesn’t contain. Rich in omega 6, protein, potassium, B vitamins (including B12), this magical algae can boost your immunity and even offer protection against cancer. Spirulina is also high in one of the most powerful anti-oxidant, Beta Carotene. Anti-oxidants have been known to act as anti-agers letting you look younger for longer. Add a spoonful spirulina powder to your smoothies or salad-dressing daily and enjoy its many benefits.
Nuts
Although high in calorific value, they are loaded with antioxidants, nutrients as well as healthy unsaturated fats that help prevent heart ailments and reduce cholesterol levels. Almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts and macadamia nuts are ideal choices. Make sure to consume these in moderation, a 5 oz. serving per week would be perfectly sufficient for your anti-aging needs.
Green tea
The benefits of green tea to maintain good health have been known. But a cup of the brew also comes packed with certain compounds that are suggested to combat the damage caused to the skin by the sun’s rays. So, sip it hot or cold, to keep those wrinkles at bay!
Fruits
While fruits are known as natural sources of fibre, some of them provide anti-aging benefits. Mango and avocados are known to contain fat that helps keep the skin supple, pomegranates are rich in ellagic acid – a plant chemical famous for reducing wrinkles while grapefruit, apart from being wonderfully low-cal is loaded with vitamin C, known to fight wrinkles and slow down aging.
