Ageing is an inevitability and is the price we pay for a longer life. As we get older, our bodies might not function as well as before and the face staring back in the mirror can look like a stranger’s. Getting older can be frustrating, especially when inside your head, you still feel like the sprightly youngster you once were.
But can you really halt the ageing process? While there’s still unfortunately no cure for getting old, there are certain nutrients that contain some anti-ageing properties. While eating these foods won’t miraculously make you young, they all have benefits that can help reduce age-related deterioration or help your cells to repair themselves. So, what are the best anti-ageing foods?
Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils you can eat. It’s rich in good fats and antioxidants, which can help decrease the damage caused by free radicals in the body. Free radicals are a by-product of normal bodily functions, or are caused by exposure to external sources such as air pollution, smoking, chemicals, and other pollutants.
Over time, they break down cells and, as you age, you lose the ability to fight off free radicals effectively. This causes more stress on your cells and therefore more damage, which leads to ageing. Studies show that olive oil’s antioxidant properties helps your body to fight free radicals, thereby potentially reducing your chances of developing age-related diseases.
Protein
Protein is a macronutrient which is essential for growth and maintenance in the human body. Composed of amino acids, protein is one of the building blocks of body tissues, so it’s vital for healthy bones, muscles, skin, hair, and organs. Getting enough decent protein in your diet helps to strengthen your collagen levels, which will make your skin more firm and less prone to wrinkling.
It can also help to reduce the loss of bone density, which is often associated with ageing. Another anti-ageing benefit of protein is its role in helping to build and repair muscle tissue. Muscle density tends to decline in old age, so eating plenty of protein will help you to maintain your muscle mass.
Protein is found in foods such as lean meat, fish, eggs, and pulses, but getting enough through diet alone can be difficult. It’s therefore a good idea to add a high-quality protein supplement, like Nestle BOOST Optimum.
Oily fish
Oily fish, such as sardines and salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are well known for their anti-ageing properties. Omega-3 acids are renowned for keeping your heart in good health, thereby helping to reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and inflammation – all conditions associated with getting older.
Furthermore, oily fish that’s rich in omega-3 is hugely beneficial to your skin, helping to keep it plump and hydrated. As well as omega-3, oily fish also contain antioxidants that are thought to prevent skin damage from UV radiation and might play a role in cell repair. Furthermore, they’re a good source of protein, which can strengthen the collagen in your body.
Conclusion
While it’s impossible to completely stop the ageing process, eating a diet rich in protein, olive oil, and oily fish can help protect your body tissues from age-related illnesses.
