WHAT TO EAT FOR HEALTHY AGEING

What you eat can play a role in how you age. Processed foods high in salt, fat and sugar can wreak havoc in the body and lead to chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and even mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

“Poor-quality foods, like trans fats, cause inflammation – and aging is basically a chronic inflammatory state,” says Timothy Harlan MD, assistant professor of medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine, as cited in Web MD.

The Victorian Government’s Department of Health advises eating a wide variety of foods from the 5 food groups for good physical and mental health: plenty of colourful vegetables, legumes/beans; fruit; grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and high fibre varieties; lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds; milk, yoghurt, cheese or their alternatives, mostly reduced fat.

Good nutrition not only keeps your body and mind healthy, it makes your skin youthful too. “Can you look older because you’re eating crap? Absolutely,” says Harlan.

Plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and beans) contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that benefit skin health. Studies show that they can actually help improve skin elasticity and hydration.

Eat better for health and longevity, and to look and feel younger. Here are 6 anti-ageing foods to eat more of.