Not every anti-ageing secret comes from a bottle.
Some of the most powerful tools you have to slow down ageing are right in your kitchen pantry. If you’re not ready to let your body succumb to ageing without a fight, here are some secret weapons that will turn any meal into an anti-ageing feast.
Olive Oil – A daily dose of this robust oil helps you maintain a healthy, youthful glow and provides powerful antioxidants and healthy Omega-3s. Whether you like to drizzle it on a salad or use it instead of other cooking oils, olive oil provides a good defence against circulation troubles and heart disease.
Salmon – This pink fish is packed full of nutrients and healthy fats that will keep you trim. And it’s a great source of lean protein, which helps you build muscle. Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fats, which support nervous system health and help you keep skin and hair healthy and shiny. Throw some on the grill with fresh veggies, and enjoy a tasty meal that makes you look and feel better.
Blueberries – Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size, the blueberry is a powerhouse when it comes to delivering antioxidants. Enjoy them on their own as a sweet snack throughout the day, add them to yoghurt for a tasty dessert, or whip them up in a smoothie.No matter how you add blueberries to your diet, you’ll love the way they keep your skin healthy by reducing free radicals that cause premature ageing and lead to wrinkles.
Green Tea – Trade out your Earl Gray for a cup of green tea if you want to reduce skin discoloration and bolster your heart and circulatory health. The healthy compounds found in a cup of this tasty brew help reduce hyperpigmentation and may even reverse signs of ageing. And a bonus is that green tea also helps you control and maintain a healthy weight.
Yoghurt – This yummy treat is good for more than making a parfait. Its high concentration of calcium helps strengthen bones and ward off osteoporosis. Yoghurt also provides necessary bacteria that help keep your intestinal system in top form. Add yoghurt to a morning smoothie or top with some berries and granola for a delicious afternoon snack. Yogurt also makes a great substitute for sour cream and mayonnaise.
Chocolate – Now you can fight ageing and indulge your cravings. Chocolate has plenty of flavanols that keep your blood vessels healthy, which reduces your risk of high blood pressure, kidney disease, dementia, and type 2 diabetes. Dark chocolate packs the biggest anti-ageing punch, and is great shaved over berries or whipped into a rich cup of hot cocoa. If you’re feeling really indulgent, savour a square or two after dinner as a special treat that’s good for you.
Wine – A glass of wine with dinner does more than help you enjoy the flavours of the meal. Red wine in particular has been found to fight heart disease and diabetes. Moderate consumption might also help with memory loss and provide a source of resveratrol, and red wine may even help slow cellular ageing. If you prefer your benefits without alcohol, add red wine to dishes while cooking. You can cook off the alcohol and retain all the health benefits. Soups and sauces are great dishes to supplement with a splash of red wine.
Brussels Sprouts – These flavourful veggies really deliver when it comes to antioxidants and nutrients known to reduce health risks. Steam them and serve with a drizzle of olive oil or roast them in the oven with some slivered garlic to enhance flavour and pack on the health benefits.
Which anti-ageing superfood will you serve for dinner tonight?
