Eat right and stay youthful

Here's the lowdown on the best food and drinks to combat the ill effects of ageing.

Ageing strikes all but some suffer premature ageing. While some age gracefully, some find it difficult to handle the ageing process. Keep a check on the changes in your body and prevent early ageing with natural food.

Red wine: Rich in antioxidants, studies say red wine destroys harmful free radicals in the body. It stimulates sirtuin, the enzyme that promotes DNA repair and cell generation. Red wine helps the skin glow, hair to grow, keeps brain power intact, improves arterial functions and lowers the risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Green tea: Daily intake of green tea is said to help slow down the ageing process. It contains high levels of oligomeric proanthocyanidins, the powerful antioxidant to protect the skin from harmful free radicals and keeps the skin supple and young. Drinking four to five cups of green tea every day can lower the risk of dying from a stroke by 20-40 per cent and reduce the development of cognitive impairment.

Bean sprouts: Rich in protein, vitamin, minerals and amino acids, sprouts are one of the most nutritious foods. The healthy nutrients in sprouts make cells reproduce younger cells.

Cucumber: Rich in silicon and vitamins, cucumbers help the growth of hair and nails. They control cholesterol, improve complexion and reduce anti-ageing signs. Always eat cucumber without peeling as silicon is found in its skin itself.

Beetroot: Rich in vitamin A and C, folate, manganese and potassium, it is full of antioxidants, which eliminate dead skin cells. It helps in anti-aging by increasing detoxification of the body through the liver and ensuring a free flow of blood to the brain with the presence of nitrates in it.

Apple-blueberry juice: Apples and blueberries are rich in antioxidants, chlorogenic acids and pectin. The combination of these two fruits in the form of juice acts as an anti-bacterial and protects from collagen which in turn provides you with supple skin. You may also add a glass of orange juice in your daily diet to hydrate the skin and help make collagen with vitamin C and water content.

Soya milk: The strong and harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun destroy the skinfirming collagen in our body. Isoflavones present in soya milk fight the harmful rays from deep inside and prevent the skin-firming collagen.

Assorted nuts: According to several studies, daily consumption of a handful of mixed nuts comprising almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, et al can prevent heart disease, cancer and other ailments. With the presence of omega-3 essential fatty acids and rich mineral content, they help in improving the digestive functioning, managing cholesterol levels and strengthening immunity. Although nuts are high in calories and fat, they do not lead to weight gain.

Oats: Oats contain high amounts of zinc, biotin, magnesium and potassium that keep our heart, weight and skin healthy. Beta glucan, a fibre derived from oats can suppress the signs of ageing efficiently. It can penetrate the skin and smooth out wrinkles. With low glycemic complex carbohydrate, they do not cause acne or spur blood sugar levels.

Apart from consuming the above, follow a healthy lifestyle and stay fit and look youthful. Try to remain stress free by practicing yoga and meditation. Sleep for seven to eight hours a day. Protect yourself from ultraviolet rays of the sun. Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water daily to stay fresh and ageless.