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We all know that too much sugar, saturated fat, processed foods and alcohol can cause chronic inflammation, which is the body’s way of addressing imbalances and illness in the body. In turn, this can speed up the ageing process and leave you feeling run down and tired.
This is why I'm a big advocate of getting my anti-ageing nutrients from the foods I eat. When I’m eating good food, looking after myself and keeping my stress levels under control, it’s reflected in vibrant skin, hair and overall health.
Age may just be a number, but it’s what we eat and our lifestyle that will have a big impact on how we feel at any stage of life. Discover how to feel younger, by tweaking your diet with these foods proven to be full of anti-ageing properties. You can even stave off age-related diseases, including osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease, when you consistently eat these foods to help you stay young and full of health!
PROTEIN
Protein is the key nutrient for ageless, beautiful skin, hair and nails. This is because they form the necessary building blocks and catalysts for the construction of healthy cell tissues. Because I’m on a heavy work schedule most days, I love incorporating my Healthy Chef Protein into my morning breakfast smoothies or afternoon shakes and I can see the difference it makes in the health of my skin as well as my digestive and immune system. I’ve also designed my protein to be the purest and highest quality protein supplement available and the highest source of amino acids L-lysine and L-proline, which are essential for the creation of collagen to help keep your skin dewy and youthful.
When I create meals at home, I love protein rich foods such as fish as it contains quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, that are vital for optimum health. Wild caught fish also reduces inflammation in the body and supports healthy, firm, glowing skin.
OLIVE OIL
I am truly in love with cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil! I use it liberally in all types of cooking. This oil is beautiful tasting, velvety and bursting with health benefits. It’s a rich source of antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids – essential for heart health and keeping skin soft and supple. I love using cold-pressed olive oil as a wonderful base for fresh homemade salad dressings or delicious on its own with some fresh, crusty sourdough bread. I store all my oils in the fridge, which helps keep them fresh.
MATCHA GREEN TEA
There’s a reason why people in the Japanese and Korean culture have beautiful ageless skin. Matcha has been used in Southeast Asia and Korea for centuries because it was believed to be a precious medicine and provided long life. High antioxidant rich foods such as Matcha green tea are believed to slow down the ageing process by preventing oxidation, inhibiting mutation of DNA and helping to restore damaged DNA. Matcha also contains l-theanine, which is a rare amino acid that promotes a state of relaxation, supports the adrenal system and the way your body reacts to stress.
AVOCADOS
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats that have compounds to protect against inflammation and cancer. They’re loaded with the antioxidants lutein, vitamin E and beta-carotene and can promote blood sugar reduction and support cardiovascular, digestive and skin health. Avocados are perfect chopped into salads or smashed with citrus aromatics and garden herbs as a side for breakfast or a vegetable component to any meal. Try adding my avocado mayo into your next healthy burger or pile generously over a fresh leafy salad.
Avocado makes the best chocolate smoothie bowl. I love drizzling avocado oil over salads as well as cooking with it. The fatty acid profile is similar to that of olive oil, so it’s a great choice for medium-heat cooking.
LEAFY GREENS
The most nourishing alkalising foods are green foods such as leafy greens, as well as broccoli, cabbage, wheat grass and matcha. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that eating at least 5 serves of greens a day is ideal and an effective strategy in the prevention and treatment of obesity and chronic disease. A serve is about a large handful of leafy greens. Make up a large leafy salad then pour over a little dressing. Don’t worry if you’re not choosing kale as your choice of leafy greens. I love using spinach in many of my leafy green salads, as they are exceptionally high in the antioxidant lutein, which helps keep our eyes healthy and bright. Spinach also contains loads of vitamins and folate to help in the production and maintenance of new cells.
GREEN / SUPERFOOD POWDERS
Like your leafy greens, good quality superfood powders using a range of green vegetables and plant-based wholefoods can work as a natural anti-inflammatory in the body, helping to alleviate skin inflammation. They are also rich in B group vitamins that promote thick hair and dewy skin. These nutrient dense powders are a great way to add more mineral-rich super foods to your meals. Make a green juice or smoothie a daily habit. Cold-pressed green juices, are rich in chlorophyll, which helps to alkalise the body and works as a natural anti-inflammatory. Chlorophyll also helps to nourish the digestive system, supports detoxification and the elimination of waste.
BERRIES
Nothing beats fresh fruit for a natural sweet hit. Not only are they great as a healthy portable snack, berries are extremely high in antioxidants and fibre that help to fight free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of disease. Blueberries, in particular, have high amounts of vitamin C and E, essential for youthful and glowing skin. These vitamins also help fight ageing by ridding the body of harmful chemicals that can have long-term, damaging effects on our organs.
Ceremonial Grade – Certified Organic Matcha is available from The Healthy Chef eStore HERE.