Eat These, Look Younger

Words by Katherine Castillo Eustaquio

We are psyched when a beauty brand advertises that it contain natural fruit extracts that double their anti-ageing power. Has anyone ever thought of eating the real fruits instead for maximum benefit?

The truth is, there are a lot of foods that can surpass the anti-ageing results of your favorite cosmetic brand. With a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and positive outlook in life, a bountiful harvest might just be your own fountain of youth. Here are a few suggestions:

According to some studies, broccoli eaters have lower risks of acquiring certain cancers and heart problems. In women, this amazing green—which is a good source of vitamin C, glutathione, lutein, and beta-carotene—helps flush a harmful type of estrogen that is conductive to cancer. It is also rich in chromium, a mineral that protects the body from the negative effects of high insulin and blood sugar.

Spinach is packed with flavonoid and carotenoid that help fight the big C, vitamin K that aid in blood clotting; and vitamins C and A for clear skin and good eyesight. Brussels sprouts are the cancer-fighting variety of the cabbage family. They are excellent sources of protein, fiber, and vitamin C. Another amazing fact: Brussels sprouts are low in calories, so they fill you up without the excess baggage.

Fiber is a vital part of one’s diet at any given age. Whole grain foods like brown rice, oatmeal, and rye bread are rich in vitamin B, antioxidants, iron, magnesium, and insoluble fiber that bind with the “unhealthy food” in your system and flush them out. They also lower the risk of diabetes and certain cancers, aid in weight loss, and keep the heart healthy. Amazing, right? Now that’s one more reason to eat popcorn!

The next time you crave for a batch of crispy fries, go for the healthier version: sweet potato fries—but instead of deep-frying, try baking them to avoid unhealthy oils and excess salt. Sweet potatoes are loaded with antioxidants and beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A, the main nutrient responsible for good eyesight and skin renewal.

Do you know why people are crazy over berries? Well, it’s not just because they make you look sexy while eating them, but they actually make you look younger through the antioxidants that keep your cells healthy. Do you know that blueberries have more antioxidants than green tea? So if you can’t take the green and bitter concoction, pick up a handful of berries—cranberries, prunes, raisins, strawberries, and blueberries—and fight premature skin-aging.

Olive oil makes the skin amazingly supple from the inside out. That’s the reason why people from olive-oil-loving countries give out that distinct sexy glow. Healthy fats from salmon, sesame oil, nuts and seeds, and olive oil strengthen the heart, increase the stamina, and improve physical appearance. Studies have also proven that good fats can cure skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis.