Friday, 26 June 2009 11:03
Ageing cannot be stalled, but ageing gracefully is something we can all do with a little help from the right foods.
Fruits
Fruits provide a low-calorie way to stay healthy and youthful, besides keeping your skin wrinkle-free. Researchers at the University of California have found that California peaches, plums and nectarines are good sources of anti-oxidants which promote longevity and protect the skin from damaging UV rays.
According to The Harvard School of Public Health a person who needs 2,000 calories a day would need at least 2 cups of fruit daily. The vitamin C in Citrus fruits, like strawberries, lemons and lime as well as fruits like Papaya, is essential for collagen production. Collagen helps the skin remain elastic and keeps the skin wrinkle-free. So don’t hesitate to snack on fruits.
Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are low in calories and rich in Vitamins, iron and fiber. Vitamin A has anti-oxidant properties while Vitamin E is excellent for healthy, smooth and younger-looking skin. You can also ensure your food contains garlic, which is high in anti-oxidants and will help you look young.
Another vegetable which contains the powerful anti-oxidant betacyanin is beetroot. So don’t hesitate to rustle up some mouth watering grilled veggies, vegetable pie, green bean soup, steamed broccoli or even Tofu scramble.
Water and milk
A person requires a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day. Water, besides being an internal cleanser, keeps your skin feeling soft, supple and more youthful.
Milk is rich in calcium and vitamins. The Vitamins B2 and B12 you get from milk are essential for the formation of red blood cells and help to carry much needed oxygen to the body cells. Another great option is yogurt, which contains friendly bacteria that aids digestion and improves the immune system.
Good fats
Essential Fatty Acids like omega-3 and omega-6 are known as “good fats”, and amply found in fish. Omega-3 and 6 help keep the skin clear, preventing blemishes and smoothing wrinkles.
Soya is an excellent and healthy substitute to meat; it is also rich in proteins, amino acids, vitamin E and anti-oxidants. Additionally, Soya helps the skin retain its moisture, keeps it looking smooth and improves its elasticity.
You can top off your diet with half an hour of daily exercise, adequate sleep, no alcohol, and minimal smoking.
These low calorie low fat foods make it extremely difficult to get overweight; additionally these foods will help retain your youthfulness. You can stay young, with fewer calories!
