30 Foods That Will Help You Look Younger
Age-defying skin is as much about what you put into your body than what you put on it - here's our anti-ageing shopping list
istockphotoGarlic
As well as being a taste sensation, garlic can help to work against the skin’s natural ageing process. ‘It contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and as increased inflammation is strongly linked to ageing, adding garlic to your diet can slow the inevitable,’ explains clinical nutritionist Kim Pearson.
istockphotoTomatoes
Not wanting to blow their trumpet too much, but tomatoes are the best source of lycopene, an antioxidant known to benefit skin and bone health. It’s actually best absorbed by the body once the tomatoes have been cooked or processed in some way so choose tomato juice or tinned passata.
iStockChilli Peppers
If you can’t take the heat… you won’t look your best. Red and green chilli peppers are full of vitamin C which helps to repair skin damage and acts as a moisturiser, even for psoriasis or eczema sufferers.
Rex FeaturesBrazil Nuts
It’s worth your while to go nutty for these Brazilian bad boys. Hannah Bailey from Wise Choice Nutrition explains: ‘Brazil nuts contain the antioxidant selenium which is important for tissue elasticity and absorbing free radicals which can cause skin damage. The healthy fats they contain also help prevent age spots and act as natural moisturisers.
iStockSalmon
Similar to tuna, ‘wild salmon contains plenty of omega-3 essential fats, which are important for promoting healthy skin cell membranes and keeping your complexion smooth and soft,’ according to Kim. See you at the fish counter.
istockphotoSpinach
So that’s why Popeye has skin as impressive as his biceps… ‘Spinach is a fantastic source of Vitamin A which helps regulate sebum production and skin cell turnover to promote healthy skin. It’s also a rich in Vitamin K, which initial research has proven contributes to a decrease in natural ageing,’ says Kim.
iStockBrussel Sprouts
These green spheres should be for life, not just for Christmas, for the good of your skin. A single serving of Brussels will provide an entire day’s worth of vitamin C, which helps form collagen and elastin (hello, natural facelift) and protects from UV rays.
iStockBeef
Want to beef up your hair follicles for shiny, thick tresses that make you look younger? Reach for a lean beef steak, which is a great source of protein to keep your locks strong, healthy and looking lustrous.
iStockTofu
This protein powerhouse is practically bursting with isoflavones, which research has proven helps to reduce wrinkles, smooth skin and boost collagen production. Other soy foods such as soya milk and edamame can deliver the same anti-ageing benefits, so fill up!
iStockKale
‘Kale is incredibly rich in a variety of antioxidant nutrients making it an anti-ageing superfood,’ gushes Kim. ‘The greens contain high levels of vitamin A and vitamin C as well as carotenoids and flavanoids - all of these nutrients work to protect the skin cells from the damaging and ageing effects of free radicals.’
iStockBlueberries
Proof that size doesn’t always matter, these little berries have been ranked number one in antioxidant activity by the US Department of Agriculture, beating 39 other popular fruits and veggies. They’re dang tasty too, especially when you cook them like this.
iStockCarrots
The old wives tale claims that chomping carrots can help you see in the dark, but they’re not averse to making your skin glow either, which is down to the high carotene content. They’re also full of vitamin A which helps prevent breakouts and protects against sun damage.
iStockTuna
Hannah advises: ‘Fresh tuna (the canned stuff doesn’t count, unfortunately) is an oily fish which not only provides lots of healthy fats to plump the skin but also contains anti-inflammatory compounds which can help conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.’
iStockOysters
Forget their ‘booty call’ properties for a second – the high zinc content of oysters have great beauty benefits as the mineral can provide a boost to skin renewal and repair. (And we suppose sex does count as exercise, which ain’t half bad for staying young either…)
AlamyPumpkin Seeds
If only you hadn’t been so hasty in throwing your Halloween pumpkin out. The seeds of the fruit are stuffed with healthy fats, natural minerals and those all-important antioxidants, ready and waiting to kill off the free radicals that speed up the ageing process. Those dang free radicals…
Rex FeaturesAvocado
According to Hannah, ‘these fruits contain vitamin E which is one of the most powerful antioxidants to absorb free radicals, preventing cell damage and supporting healthy skin growth.’ If you’re not a fan of the taste, mash them up and let them do their work on the skin’s surface. Try a face mask recipe like this one.
istockWatermelon
‘Watermelon contains two key nutrients that help promote skin health - Vitamin C and lycopene,’ says Hannah. Plus, it’s also packed with citrulline which detoxifies the body, leaving you looking fresh and youthful.
istockYoghurt
A yoghurt face mask can do wonders for the complexion but if that all seems a bit too messy, mix some of the high-calcium food with granola for a filling breakfast or afternoon treat. One portion of low-fat yoghurt is packed with more calcium than the milk equivalent and boosts teeth and nails.
Rex FeaturesLemons
You know that slice of lemon in hot water that you’re supposed to drink every morning to boost metabolism? Well, the citrus fruit help your body detox and the cleaner your general body system is, the clearer your complexion will be.
iStockCucumbers
We all know that hydration is key to turning back the clock, but if you’re not reaching your daily H2O intake, up your cucumber portions. Not only will it plump skin but it can help maintain a healthy weight – key to looking your best – and its silica content helps keep joints and bones supple.
istockEggs
If doesn’t matter how you like your eggs in the morning, just make sure they make an appearance in your diet regularly. They’re rich in vitamin A and B2, plus selenium, lutein and zeaxanthin which all help to protect the skin against UV damage*.
*You still need to wear an SPF – the ol’ yolks aren’t that good.
Rex FeaturesPomegranate
Whether you battle with eating the fruit, seed by seed, or opt for juice concentrate, pomegranate is an anti-ageing winner. ‘The fruit is positively packed with vitamins, mineral and various antioxidants which absorb free radicals and prevent skin damage, while promoting skin regeneration,’ says Hannah.
iStockSweet Potato
A leading veg when it comes to vitamin A content, sweet spuds also contain copper, a natural mineral which encourages collagen production to avoid thinning, saggy skin. Sounds like adding a jacket to your dinner could have you looking younger in no time.
Rex FeaturesCranberry Juice
Phytochemicals, polyphenols, manganese, salicyclic – they’re all natural skin saviours, and cranberry juice has got ‘em all. Because of its antioxidant content, as well as acidic nature, many women apply cranberry juice directly onto the face to unclog pores and reduce shine. Grab your cotton wool and get going for a more youthful-looking complexion.
istockGreen Tea
When your cup is full of green tea, it shall runneth over with antioxidants. The health benefits of green tea seem endless but its power to slow the natural ageing process is very real. If you can’t stand the stuff, try a flavoured variety like Twinings' Salted Caramel Indulgence.
Rex FeaturesBlood Orange
Get ready for a double whammy of ageing defense. ‘Not only are blood oranges a good source of vitamin C, essential for collagen production, but they’re also lower in sugar than many other fruits which means they’re less likely to promote skin damage through glycation,’ says Kim.
Rex FeaturesCocoa
There’s one thing better than chocolate… get your minds out of the gutter, we’re talking about cocoa beans. They contain more than double the amount of anti-ageing antioxidants than dark choc (sans sugar and fats, hurrah) so go natural and fix yourself a hot cup of the good stuff.
Rex FeaturesJerusalem Artichoke
This veg is stacked with vitamins, and the good news is that these vitamins ‘contribute to collagen production’ which in turn plumps the skin and helps fill out light wrinkles. Age, be gone!
Rex FeaturesPure Noni Juice
A favourite of supermodel Miranda Kerr, the juice derives from the noni plant of the Southeast Asian morinda citrifolia tree, , and it's a natural superfood with ‘superior antioxidants’ that boost the immune system, preserve skin elasticity and nourish cells.
AlamyWheat Germ
Vitamin B is one of the big guns when it comes to ensuring healthy, rapid cell production. So getting your fix of B-heavy wheat germ is a great way to help your skin look younger and feel smoother. Add it to smoothies or use it in baking recipes – you won’t even know you’re eating it!
