In a society obsessed with youthfulness, it’s no wonder that treatments like Botox, fillers and cosmetic surgery are on the rise. While these methods can indeed slow down the ageing process, they often come with a hefty price tag.
But fear not, there are other ways to combat ageing that won’t leave you penniless – and they involve changes to your diet. Food guru and founder of The Gift of Oil, Phil Bianchi, has revealed five anti-ageing foods and beverages that he claims could “help you look 10 years younger”.
The list of foods and drinks that could ‘turn back the clock’ includes Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Renowned for its health benefits, such as lowering bad cholesterol, stroke risk and high blood pressure, Extra Virgin Olive Oil also boasts numerous anti-ageing properties. In fact, the monounsaturated fats in olive oil have been found to help reduce skin ageing due to their potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Green tea is a beverage that’s packed with anti-ageing benefits and is one of the most popular drinks for those looking to stay youthful. It’s rich in Vitamin B2, which helps to firm up the skin’s appearance.
Besides Vitamin B2, it also contains a wealth of antioxidants that can help prevent fine lines or wrinkles.
Dark chocolate is known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but it also aids in reducing inflammation, improving blood flow to the skin, and helping to retain moisture for longer. The flavanols from dark chocolate can also help to protect the skin from sun damage too – reducing the risk of sun-induced wrinkles.
Pomegranates are full of lots of healthy nutrients and have a whole variety of health benefits for the body and the skin. It’s been found that pomegranates can in fact help to reduce any sun damage and brown spots on the skin. The antioxidants in the fruit also help to protect the skin’s collagen – making it one of the top fruits for anti-ageing.
Watermelon is not only extremely hydrating, which is good for the skin, but it also contains lots of vitamins, including vitamins A, B and C. The combination of these helps to brighten the skin, boost skin health and help towards a youthful and soft appearance.
‘Anti-ageing’ breakfast recipe
For the “ultimate anti-ageing recipe”, Phil recommends a delicious smoothie bowl for breakfast for your daily dose of youth. Ingredients include 150g frozen mixed berries, 50g watermelon, 1 ripe banana, 75ml oat milk, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1⁄2 tbsp vanilla protein powder (vegan version if needed).
To top it off, add pomegranate seeds, dark chocolate, 25g granola, 1 tbsp mixed nuts and seeds, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with a cup of green tea.
