We all want to look and feel our best, and for me that was when I was sixteen.  I was healthy and happy….actually, I’m STILL blessed to be healthy and happy, but in some ways, I was probably a bit healthier and happier when I was sixteen (although now I’m wiser, so wouldn’t swap!).

There’s a lot of research that shows that what we eat impacts our skin, hair and nails, and generally, the way that we look.  These are some of the most common questions that I’m asked about anti-ageing…

1. What are the top foods that help you glow from the inside?

Watercress  – watercress is rich is particularly rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which helps to fight free radicals which age us.

Sweet potatoes – sweet potatoes are low GI and a great source of vitamin A. A lack of vitamin A causes our skin to become rough and dry.

Garlic – garlic is great for anti ageing as increases blood flow which helps our skin to glow, similarly to the glow we get after playing sport. It also contains an antioxidant called allicin which helps to fight free radicals which can damage our skin.

Spinach – spinach is another rich source of vitamins A and C.

Oily fish such as salmon – oily fish is one the richest sources of omega 3 available. In addition to being great for our heart and mental health, omega 3 has also been found to be beneficial for glowing skin and glossy hair.

Kale – kale is rich in carotenoids which are believed to prevent age-related collagen degradation

Walnuts – a naturally occurring compound in walnuts, called juglone, has been found to assist with the regeneration of skin cells.

2. What foods should we be avoiding?

Research suggests that a high GI diet increases our likelihood of breakouts, so I recommend avoiding foods high in added sugar such as biscuits and cake.  Additionally, a few simple food swaps such as swapping rice crackers for wholegrain dry crackers, and swapping processed breakfast cereals for oats, can lower the GI of your diet.

3. What impact can too much alcohol have on the body and skin?

Alcohol is a strong diuretic which dehydrates our skin. The less alcohol we drink, the better our skin will look, but if you choose to drink, try to limit to a glass and ensure that you compensate with plenty of water.

4. What foods stimulate collagen?

Fruit and vegetables are great for collagen production, however apples have been found to be one of the best foods for collagen production.  In particular, components of apples have been found to reduce fine lines and boost skin elasticity.

5. What are your top three tips for maintaining an anti-ageing diet?

My top 3 tips for anti-ageing are:

– I love to add fresh fruit to water. This helps to hydrate us as well as boosting our antioxidant intake

– I always pop an apple in my handbag when I’m heading out the door. Apples are low GI, great for collagen production and having a healthy snack on hand helps me to avoid being tempted by sugary treats.

– I like to pick up some fresh salmon from the market every Sunday, and I always eat the skin as well as that’s the richest source of omega 3.