Top 10 superfoods
Updated: 2006-09-05 16:18
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6. Oily fish: Good for protecting against heart disease, diabetes and wrinkles
Oily fish is the best source of omega 3, an essential fatty acid that the body can't manufacture on its own. Omega 3 has been found to protect against heart disease, adult-onset diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. This fat also reduces skin dryness and improves elasticity, which means wrinkles are less likely to appear. Celebs such as Kim Cattrall follow a salmon-based anti-ageing plan – the Perricone Plan – which lifts and smooths skin in three days. If the recent pollution scares have put you off, tuna, swordfish, anchovy, herring, mackerel and sardines are good omega 3 sources.
7. Grapes: Good for preventing saggy skin
Red and black grapes contain 20 known antioxidants that work together to fend off the free radical attacks that lead to wrinkly skin and disease. These antioxidants are concentrated in the skin, so always buy the most colourful grapes you can find. All grapes contain compounds that strengthen the capillaries and protect against thread veins and skin sagging.
8. Carrots: Good for lowering bad cholesterol and protecting skin from sun damage
The bunny's fave is high in anti-ageing vitamin C and a good source of dietary fibre. One study showed that eating two carrots a day lowered bad cholesterol by 10 per cent. Cook the veg to release nutrients from the tough cell structure and you'll get heaps of beta-carotene. Research has shown that people with low levels of beta-carotene in their blood are more likely to have heart attacks, strokes and certain cancers. This nutrient also protects against the sun's rays. One study found that taking carotenoids equivalent to two large carrots a day gives a natural SPF of 2 to 4 in light-skinned people.
9. Citrus fruit: Good for fighting infection
The orange has been described as the 'complete package of natural anti-cancer nutrients'. It's an excellent source of collagen-building vitamin C and helps maintain the body's defences against bacterial infection. The other wonder citrus fruit is grapefruit, which has a unique type of fibre proven to dramatically reduce cholesterol and help prevent arteries clogging up.
10. Tomatoes: Good for reducing the risk of cancer
Toms are the richest source of lycopene, which forms the red pigment in the flesh. As well as repairing the DNA damage that can lead to crinkly old skin, recent research suggests that lycopene may also help to preserve mental and physical function among older people and reduce the risk of breast, prostate, pancreatic and cervical cancer.