Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Age Preventing Food

Age preventing food

Taken from www.tv3.ie on 04.06.09

Looking good on the outside is very dependent on how we treat our insides. If you are trying to lose weight, doing so slowly and properly are vital to avoid that Old and scrawny look often associated with weight loss. Eating the right foods will help to reduce the risk of this happening.

Below are the ten of the best anti-aging foods.

1. Brazil nuts

These are high in selenium an antioxidant which helps protect the skin from the suns ageing UV rays. Selenium zaps free radicals which can cause damage. Brazil nuts are also high in Vitamin E which also helps to protect the fat in the skin preventing wrinkles from forming. Other foods similar here would be cashew nuts and sunflower seeds.

2. Salmon

High in Omega 3 - an essential fat our body cannot make. Omega 3 forms hormone like substances in the body which reduce skins dryness. Salmon is also high in protein which is essential for skin repair, other sources of omega 3 are mackerel, herrings, sardines.

3. Cherries

These are bursting with anti aging super nutrient anthocynanins. These keep the cell walls of the tiny blood vessels strong ensuring good supply of blood and oxygen. This ensures skin rejuvenation .They are low calorie and great for snacks or desserts, other sources here are plums, blueberries, black grapes.

4. Lean red meat

Lean red meat is a great source of protein for skin repair but also of iron which is crucial in carrying oxygen around the body Protein is important for giving skin its structure. Other sources are lamb, pork. Choose lean and grill, bake or barbecue.

5. Sweet Potatoes

These are full of betacarotene. Once eaten beta-carotene collects in the fat layers of skin and reflects harmful UV rays which have a strong aging effect. They are similar in calories to potatoes so can be used as an alternative. They are also high in Vitamin E. Other sources would be carrots, red peppers, apricots.

6. Soya Milk and other Soya products

These are rich in isoflavanes which act in a similar way to natural oestrogen and help the repair of collagen and elastin. This will slow down the age related changes that lead to lines and wrinkles. Other sources are soya yogurts, soya beans, lentils.

7. Oats

Oats, are rich in silicon which maintains the spongy structure between collagen and elastin fibres. By keeping this supple this helps to prevent the thinning and ageing of skin. Other sources are mineral waters, muesli.

8. Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and bioflavanoids . These help to defend the walls of fine capillaries preventing the formation and appearance of thread veins. Strawberries are also low calorie and great for desserts etc. Other sources are citrus fruits, kiwi fruits.

9. Shell fish

A good source of copper which is necessary for the formation of melanin, which helps the skin to absorb UV rays. Shell fish also help to create collagen and elastin. Shell fish are also high in zinc which make collagen and elastin. Good sources are mussels, clams, crab, and non fish sources are wheat germ and sunflower seeds.

10. Nori and other sea weeds

These are all good sources of iodine which helps the dermal layers of the skin to grow at a regular rate. They can be added to soups/ casseroles. Other good sources are Haddock, Cod. Mussels

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