One of the single most important things you can do to keep your skin in tip-top condition is drink plenty of water. You can use whatever pricey moisturisers you want, but moisturising from the inside is key. Not only will it keep your skin glowing, but it will also flush out toxins from the body. It’s recommended you drink at least eight glasses per day for optimuim health benefits.
Other bonuses of course, are that water is essentially free, and, unlike sodas and juices, contains zero calories.
Another wonder-liquid that can help in the battle to keep wrinkles at bay is green tea. People in Asia have sworn by the stuff for thousands of years because of its "miracle" properties: in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, practitioners used green tea as a stimulant, diuretic (to promote the excretion of urine), astringent (to control bleeding and help heal wounds), and to improve heart health. Other traditional uses of green tea include treating flatulence (gas), regulating body temperature and blood sugar, promoting digestion, and improving mental processes. [1]
Health benefits of nuts
Nuts are well known for their anti-aging properties, due to their high mineral content. Nuts contain fatty acids that help to prevent skin dryness and the powerful antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin E, which contribute to anti-aging of skin and good overall skin health. Walnuts, although high in calories, are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium. They are also high in omega-3 "good" fats. Studies show that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Omega-3 fatty acids may also act as an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting. Several other studies also suggest that these fatty acids may help lower high blood pressure.
How fruit and vegetables keep you looking young
Although a diet rich in all kinds of fruit and vegetables is essential for good health and keeping you looking glowing, some fruits really are wonder foods in terms of preventing aging from the inside. Take the watermelon, for instance. Even the seeds are packed with goodies, including selenium, essential fats, zinc and vitamin E; while the flesh contains vitamin A, B and C. All of these help against free radical damage and aging.
Avocados sometimes get bad press due to their high calorie and fat content, but the good news is a little of this yummy fruit is fantastic for preventing skin aging. They are a brilliant source of vitamin E and can help to maintain healthy skin and prevent skin aging , as well as healthy monounsaturated fat that may help to reduce level of a bad type of cholesterol in body.
Berries have been well-touted for their "superfood" properties – and for good reason. Blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants and black grapes contain powerful antioxidants and vitamin C which help to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals and aging.
There’s a reason your parents were always telling you to eat your greens (think cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, turnip, Brussels sprouts, radish and watercress). Known as "cruciferous" vegetables, they help the body to fight toxins, and have been said to help fight cancer too. Green leafy vegetables are also rich in vitamin K, which is particularly essential for women, as the vitamin helps reduce bone loss and prevent fractures.
The good news about anti-aging foods?
Some supposedly "naughty" foods are actually pretty good at rolling back the years. Ever wondered why French women seem to look so great as they age? One reason could be red wine. It contains resveratrol, which is said to have anti-aging properties, as well as being a potent antioxidant, inflammation depressant, fat burner and artery protector. [3]
Similarly, chocolate contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants.Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. [4]
Just remember: moderation is the key.
Sources:
[1] University of Mayland website, "Green Tea" (accessed August 15, 2009).
[3] National institute of health website, "Resveratrol delays age-related deterioration and mimics transcriptional aspects of dietary restriction without extending lifespan" (accessed August 15, 2009).
[4] Longevity website, "Chocolate", (accessed August 15, 2009).
Emily Gosling - null
