Nutrition

Combatting ageing skin with diet

In this chapter, we will be discussing how we can slow down the ageing of our skin through our diet.

As we age, we start developing wrinkles, age spots and dryness on our skin. The skin also becomes thinner as we lose fat and muscles, making it less plump and smooth and may take longer to heal.

Fortunately, it is never too late to start protecting yourself. Many products, including medications claim to revitalise ageing skin or reduce wrinkles but the dietary aspect has proven to be equal to the task.

Foods to include

• Monounsaturated fatty acid rich foods such as; olive oil, almonds and avocados

• Vitamin C rich foods; oranges, tangerines, lemons, bell peppers and pineapples

• Vitamin E rich diet; spinach, sun flower seeds, pumpkin, peanuts and kiwi

Foods to avoid

• Sodas and caffeine rich drinks

• Red meat and meat products

• Processed foods

Lifestyle modification

Modifying our lifestyle from a predominantly sedentary lifestyle to incorporating exercises like going for walks, jogging, and riding bicycles, as well as cutting down alcohol intake, and cigarette smoking will serve to prolong a healthy, strong and ageless skin.

In summary, it is obvious that there is no fountain of youth to keep us young forever, but maintaining healthy, vibrant skin for many years is not out of our reach. By implementing and including desired fruits and vegetables to our diet, as well as good lifestyle choices, our skin will thank us for generations to come.

The writer is a Nutritionist and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Holistic Health Consult.

“Your diet, your health, your health your wealth.”

e-mail: info@holistichealthconsult.org

By Bernice Korkor Asare

Nutrition

Benefits of Tamarind Juice

Tamarind seed

Tamarind juice is particularly abundant in vitamin C, which is important for a strong immune system, healthy skin and wound healing.

Additionally, tamarind provides significant amounts of B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, as well as essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.

– Antioxidant properties

Tamarind contains potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat harmful free radicals in the body. This oxidative stress reduction can help prevent cell damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.

-Digestive health

Tamarind contains dietary fibre and natural laxatives that promote regular bowel movements, alleviate constipation and improve overall gastrointestinal health.”

– Heart health

Regular consumption of tamarind juice may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. It can help lower cholesterol levels due to its high fibre content and antioxidants, reducing the risk of heart disease.

– Anti-inflammatory properties

Tamarind juice does a great job in curbing inflammation in the body. High in anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols and bioflavonoids, this property makes it potentially beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammatory diseases.

– High magnesium content

Tamarind is rich in magnesium- 110 mg per 120 g of pulp. This simply concludes that drinking tamarind is a convenient way to meet your daily magnesium requirements. It plays an important role in the formation of bones, regulates heart rhythm, and contraction of muscles, and keeps blood sugar levels under check.

Source; Healthshots.com