Closer's guide to fighting the ageing process
Monday 12 October 2009
Hands up everyone who turned green with envy looking at those pics of Dame Helen Mirren flaunting her incredible body in a red bikini?
The 63 year-old (Yes, that’s right, 63!!!) was snapped on holiday in Italy and it is fair to say that she’s in better shape than most of us with her flat tummy, slim legs and dimple-free thighs.
And it’s not just her: Demi Moore, Elle McPherson and Sharon Stone are all leading examples that you can still look as hot and healthy as a spring chicken beyond thirty – or even better!
But how do they do it? Well, Closer has dived into the archives of all things anti-ageing and has compiled the ultimate guide on how to look good, whatever your age.
We all know that a healthy diet affects your health, looks and well-being like nothing else. You are what you eat, they say, and whoever first came up with this famous adage was certainly right.
And there are loads of foods out there that will help you keep lines and wrinkles at bay and give you bounds of energy. Stylist and nutritional expert Nicky Hambleton-Jones reveals exclusively to Closer:
‘Foods that are very high in antioxidants - by that I mean vitamin E, C and A – are particularly good to look younger for longer. Vitamin C is a brilliant anti-aging nutrient too.
‘Staying hydrated is very important – particularly in the summer or on holiday. There is nothing worse than being on holiday and your skin is looking like a shrivelled prune.’
So, with a few recommendations from Nicky and some hardcore research, we found the top ten food and drinks that will help you combat the ageing process.
* Almonds: Nuts contain essential oils and omega three, which makes them perfect for maintaining healthy hair, smooth skin and strong nails.
* Avocado: This fruit is crammed with antioxidants and full of essential fats that give your hair shine and your skin a youthful glow.
* Blueberries: Like all berries they are bursting with vitamin C, but the number of antioxidants in blueberries is higher than in any other fruit or vegetable. They are great for boosting your circulation and immune system.
* Broccoli: Full of vitamin A it will keep your eyes moisturized and help fight toxins. Scientists also believe that Broccoli can repair sun-damaged skin.
* Green Tea: Vicky B is a fan, and with good reason: full of flavonoids, it’s a great way of protecting your skin from environmental influences and flushing out toxins.
* Salmon: Apart from the all important essential oils that are good for your brain function, this fish contains an antioxidant that encourages the muscles under the skin to tighten – much cheaper and less painful than botox!
* Sweet Potatoes: Containing high levels of hyaluronic acid which keeps your skin elastic and moist. Sweet potatoes are also full of antioxidants and generally believed to be a healthier option if you’re dieting
* Tomatoes: A super food if ever there was one, tomatoes can help lower cholesterol levels, fight certain types of cancer and – they are great for protecting the skin and keeping it looking youthful
* Water: You’ve heard it a million times before but we’ll say it again – aim to drink at least eight glasses a day; it will flush out toxins, moisturize your skin and help hunger pangs at bay. It’s beauty’s first and last rule!
* Yoghurt: It is rich in essential minerals like potassium, calcium and protein, and the live bacteria aid your digestion and help to keep your immune system strong.
For part two of our anti-ageing special, celebrity anti-ageing secrets, click here
For more information on how a healthy diet can affect your health and looks, and to get your own personalised meal plan, visit www.closerdiets.com and get 20% off* your first month's membership!
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