GIRL'S TIP: Slow Down The Signs Of Ageing!

Forget expensive anti-ageing beauty treatments, rumour has it eating the right food can slow down the signs of ageing. So what’s in the food you eat that helps to nourish you from the inside out?

You’ve probably heard of things called antioxidants. Well it’s these guys that can help keep you looking fantastic on the outside. Every day, your cells are constantly renewing and this continues as you age. Small changes occur every time a cell is replaced - some you can see (changes in your looks), others you can’t (changes to cells within your organs).

There is also oxidation that attacks our cells. Yes, you need oxygen to live, but too much oxygen is not a good thing. Think about how a half eaten apple browns when left on the sink. It’s the oxygen that is causing the browning. And just like the apple, this is what oxidation is doing to you! This excess oxygen is caused by free radicals, which cause damage to your cells. It’s the antioxidants that fight against the free radicals and reduce the signs of ageing.

You do have antioxidants already inside you, but by eating plenty of food containing antioxidants you can increase the number and your fighting capacity. So which nutrients are antioxidants and what foods are they found in? Take a look below.

• Vitamin E - Nuts, seeds, oils, wholegrains and some cereals
• Vitamin C - Citrus fruit, tomato, capsicum, kiwi fruit and berries.
• Vitamin A (Beta-carotene) - Carrots, green leafy vegetables, apricots, sweet potato and mangoes
• Selenium - Fish, meat, wholegrains, Brazil nuts, eggs and milk.
• Phytochemicals including flavonoids - Blueberries, tea, cranberries, dark chocolate, celery and

broccoli

Vitamin E is on of the most potent antioxidants in your body, and when vitamin E teams up with vitamin C, it’s even stronger! It has the ability to not only fight against free radicals and protect DNA damage, but can also help prevent heart disease.

Vitamin C is multi-functional – it protects vitamin E and also helps to you to absorb vitamin E. Vitamin C is also plays an important role in strengthening skin and muscle as it is involved in collagen production. Better still, it improves blood vessel dilation, promoting better circulation and reducing your risk of heart disease. For those of you that smoke, your need for vitamin C is greatly increased as your reserves of vitamin C are used up on the toxins and free radicals produced from the cigarettes.

Vitamin A is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system and is also believed to prevent night blindness and other eye problems. This vitamin is also believed to play a role in cell and bone growth and development and healthy skin and hair.

Selenium promotes the production of glutathione peroxidise, enzyme with strong antioxidant properties. The combination of the two helps to prevent heart disease and may prevent cancer cells. On the outside, it reduces the risk of general cell damage and helps to protect against UV damage.

Phytochemicals also can help protect against heart disease and skin damage.

To help you stay looking younger, eat all the colours of the rainbow – each different coloured food will provide you with a different antioxidant. Your body will thank you!