Home Remedies for Anti-Aging

Swap From Tea to Hot Chocolate
Good news for chocolate lovers: Hot chocolate is better for you than tea. Well, it has four to five times as many antioxidants, new U.S. studies say. Antioxidants reduce the aging effect of free radicals, but the 100 extra calories in cocoa mean you probably shouldn't overdo it. But a little of what you fancy does you good.

Swap From Bread to Bread Rolls
Our grannies tell us eating our crusts will make our hair go curly. But crusts also help us stay looking young. Bread rolls are better as they've got more crust -- the part of the bread with the greatest exposure to the heat of the oven -- and heat wakes up antioxidants in the dough (great for skin).

Swap From Bananas to Raisins
Bananas and raisins are both a great energy boost before exercise, but raisins have more of those friendly antioxidants. And since exercise will produce aging-free radicals as you work up a healthy glow, you need all the help you can get.

Swap From Crisps to Nuts
Nuts beat crisps hands-down. They help lower harmful cholesterol, leaving your arteries feeling younger, and their high-magnesium content helps keep the stress hormone cortisol under control. Too much cortisol can speed up signs of aging like bone-thinning, middle-age spread and poor memory -- so get out those nutcrackers.

Swap From Cola to Fizzy Water
Super-sweet cola doesn't just damage your teeth -- a U.S. study has found it might make your bones thinner. Women who drank a can a day had bones 2 to 5 percent thinner than those who only drank cola once a week. Scientists think the cola flavoring phosphoric acid might be to blame -- by sticking to calcium and making it more difficult for the body to absorb.

Swap From White Fish to Oily Fish
The antioxidants that keep wrinkles at bay are packed in oily fish like
salmon, sardines and mackerel. The antioxidant DMAE, found in these
fish, stimulates nerve impulses that tell muscles in the face to
contract -- helping create firmer skin. Aim for two servings a week --
but canned tuna doesn't count.

Swap Green Beans for Broccoli
All green vegetables are good
for you, but broccoli is "the anti-aging superfood." Those little green
trees will turn back the clock and give your body the weapons to help
fight cancer, heart disease, cataracts and osteoporosis, among others.

Swap Seeded Grapes for Seedless
Grape seeds contain
procyanidins that help fight cancer, but if you pick them out (and
let's face it, they don't taste nice) you're missing out on that
goodness. But seedless grapes still have the procyanidins -- in fact,
they still have seeds. The seeds have lost their bitter taste and are
so soft, we eat them without noticing.

Swap From French Red to Chilean
Chilean reds are top of the
wine charts for flavonols -- antioxidants that are associated with a
lowered risk of heart disease. The winemakers say it's the combination
of climate, soil and grapes that make it so healthy -- but just because
it's good for you, it doesn't mean you should drink the whole bottle.
Stick to a couple of glasses.

Swap From Chinese to Curries
India has the world's lowest
rate of Alzheimer's, and they might have the ingredient turmeric to
thank. The spice is the main one used in curries and contains curcumin,
which can limit inflammation in the brain that is linked to
Alzheimer's. If you want maximum turmeric, order a madras or a balti.

Source: Sunday Mirror (London). Powered by Yellowbrix.