10 foods to keep you young
If you want to feel fitter and look younger, try putting some of these foods on the menu. They are all high in anti-oxidants, which help to combat free radical damage and maintain the body’s chemical balance
1. Avocado – Recent research hails the avocado’s ability to combat destructive rogue oxygen molecules and help to preserve cells. They also do not not provoke glycation, where sugar molecules react with tissue to cause damage. Great in salads, or with prawns, they are easy to swallow and very tasty, so are a good addition to any diet
2. Mackeral – These oily fish have a natural anti-inflammatory action and have been linked to improved brain function. they are also a great source of Vitamin D, which has been linked to the prevention of a range of chronic diseases. Eaten fresh, or tinned, they are great with toast and/or tomatoes
3. Garlic – Whilst socially not the most friendly food, garlic protects against free radicals and glycation and has the added advantage of thinning the blood, which can help prevent small blood clots, which can lead to stokes and heart attacks. Cook with garlic to make delicious casseroles and great pasta dishes
4. Tomatoes – Rich in lycopene, they help protect tissues from sugar damage. Tomatoes have been linked to protection from heart disease and some forms of cancer and can also help protect against the sun’s UV rays. There are so many ways to eat tomatoes, from on their own, with dips and in salads, to grilled or baked with fish, or meat
5. Spinach – revered by Popeye for good reason, spinach is an anti-oxidant food, which is also high in beta-carotene and vitamins C and E and folate, all of which can help protect against Alzheimer’s. Eat raw as a salad or cooked with fish or meat
5. Liver- You may say ‘Yuk’, but liver lowers homocysteine, an amino acid linked to brain shrinkage in Alzheimer’s. Liver is high in B6, B12 and folate, which can improve brain function. So cook a piece today, with or without the onions!
6. Pear – Possibly more palatable, the pear has a high anti-oxidant rating and researchers think they have anti-inflammatory properties as well, which can reduce susceptibility to age-related diseases. Peel and eat for pleasure.
7. Red wine – Something to accompany your parent’s food, red wine is high in resveratrol, which can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. One small glass a night can do more good than harm
8. Dark Chocolate – another healthy treat, which is better for you the higher the cocoa content, as the sugar content is reduced. Dark chocolate is a great anti-oxidant, so your parent can nibble a piece with their red wine and relax…
9. Walnuts – Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fat and can be anti-inflammatory, which can lessen the chance of ageing related disease. No need to wait until Christmas…crack a few today
10. Water – Water is critical to all of your biochemical, neurological and physiological processes and everyone should drink two to three litres a day. Even mild dehydration can lead to the build up of toxins in the body. So make sure your parents drinks water regularly throughout the day
