4. Avocado
Avocados are stuffed with beneficial nutrients, such as Vitamin A, K and E, as well as potassium and magnesium, plus they’re high in monounsaturated fat, which decreases LDL cholesterol. Eating just half of an avocado a day helps to encourage the maintenance of healthy cells and cell membranes, which prevents wrinkles and fine lines and keeps the skin moisturised.
Though it’s widely known that avocados can help combat skin ageing, you might not know that this pear-shaped fruit can guard against diseases caused by the degenerative effects of ageing as well. This is because the ageing process is a major contributor to the development of degenerative diseases, including Alzheimers and Parkinson’s – and antioxidant rich foods can protect against this.
Researchers have discovered that avocados have an incredibly high amount of the antioxidants and neuro-protective phytochemicals that slow down the effects of oxidative stress, which is involved in creating the neuron damage that accelerates disease progression..
Scientists also found that avocados help lower the chance of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, by improving cardiac health and they can lower obesity risk by supporting healthy weight maintenance. Another study published in The Physician and Sports Medicine Journal found that the fruit could play a vital part in the management of osteoarthritis – as they improve joint stiffness and arthritis, due to the high content of anti-inflammatory nutrients, like vitamin E.
If you haven’t already incorporated this mini miracle into your diet, we really think you should, as the humble avocado provides a plethora of anti-ageing benefits, from improved skin, shinier hair, and stronger nails, to lowered cholesterol levels and improved cardiac health!
