15 anti-aging foods you need to eat for your body, skin and soul

Whilst we disagree that youth is wasted on the young…we do agree that time goes by way too quickly and we’re getting darn old. One minute you’re bright-eyed and bushy tailed post graduation and the next you’re nearing 30 years old and have no idea what your doing with life. Yeah, it sucks, but even though we can’t stop the clock, we can make changes now that will help us age a little more gracefully (although if you chose to roll in at 4am on the weekends, we can’t stop you).

It is important not to wait until you’re actually old before thinking about the effects of aging. And this isn’t just about ensuring you don’t have wrinkles and fine lines on your face; you should also be looking after your mind and body.

Here are 15 foods that will keep you looking and feeling young.

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Extremely high in antioxidants, blueberries slow down the aging process that takes place due to the free radical damage in our bodies. Any type of berries – strawberries, raspberries, blackberries – are useful here but blueberries have the highest level of antioxidants, so it’s the best option. Blueberries are also very high in vitamins C and E, which have their own anti-aging qualities too.

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These nuts are packed with selenium, an antioxidant that protects our body from oxidative damage and infection. The levels of selenium in our bodies naturally decline with age so you need to get a top up when you can. A decline in brain function is one of the effects of inadequate selenium in your system so grab a few of these precious nuts when you can.

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This spice has numerous health benefits, thanks to its active component, curcumin. It helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, as it keeps your mind young by reducing the amount of ‘plaque’ in your brain. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory benefits and lowers your blood sugar too.

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Whether it’s the juice you love or the fruit as a whole, add this into your diet if you can. It’s very high in vitamin C, which has good anti-aging properties, which probably explains why it’s an ingredient in many beauty products. It’s also high in punicalagin, a nutrient that’s stops collagen from breaking down, and is good for joint health too.

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They might grow in the dark but this food contains vitamin D, which most of us get from the sun. Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium, so if you don’t get enough of it, it might expose you to conditions such as osteoporosis and broken bones, which women are more prone to as we get older.

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Whether you add them into your stir-fries and noodles, or prefer them grilled, get more of these colourful veggies into your body. These peppers are extremely rich in vitamin C, which is highly effective in improving your immune function and metabolism. It also makes your skin look healthier and tighter, so you’ll look younger. They also contain silicon, which is beneficial for your hair and nails.

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This beverage boosts your metabolism while hydrating you too. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and could possibly reduce your risk of diabetes and stroke, while lowering your cholesterol too. Plus, it can also stave off dementia so it’s time to say no to that cup of joe and choose green tea instead.

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Your heart will thank you for adding garlic to more dishes you consume. It will boost your heart health as it slows the hardening of your arteries, which means it’s good in preventing heart disease too. It’s also a handy ally against inflammation associated with arthritis and lowers your chance of a stroke too

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The high amount of omega-3 fatty acids in these nuts means you’ll be protected against issues like high blood pressure and heart disease, while also increasing your bone strength.

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These sea creatures rate very high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are extremely good for your mind as it improves your memory and overall brain function. It’s also effective in reducing inflammation that could be a result of stress or unhealthy eating. Oily fish such as salmon and tuna are the types of fish that give you the most benefits.

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This vegetable isn’t just good for freshening up your eyes during a DIY facial. Thanks to it being very hydrating, it’ll help you stay looking young as hydration is a very important element here. Plus, the silica in the veggie is good for your bones and joints, which get more vulnerable the older you get.

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This green vegetable is high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that improves your immune system. Plus, it contains lignans, which contributes to a healthy brain and helps to prevent serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

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The monounsaturated fatty acids in this superfood is very good for your cardiovascular system. But the magic element here is oleic acid, which has anti-aging benefits, in addition to being highly effective in trying to prevent cancer.

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Did you know that eggs contain nutrients that are good for your eyesight? As you grow older, eat eggs more often as they can lower your risk of cataracts and other degenerative eye conditions related to age.

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This fruit has a higher level of vitamin C than oranges so it’s certainly a healthy choice. It will also give you clear skin and healthier bones. And it has the power to neutralise free radicals, which could lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and cancer.

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