Getting older is inevitable – it happens to us all! What you can control is how you take care of your body and brain to help you age beautifully, both inside and out.
Here’s what we recommend having in stock to help you look and feel your healthiest as you approach your golden years ✨
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, but as you age, your body’s natural production of collagen declines.1https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-taking-collagen-beneficial-for-older-adults#1 It’s the major component of connective tissues that make up several body parts, including tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles. Besides giving us radiant skin and silky-smooth hair, hydrolysed collagen (the broken-down and more easily digestible form) has other serious health perks…
- Promotes bone health2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793325/3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25314004/
- Boots protein intake4https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924200/
- Reduces joint pain5https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17076983/
- Promotes heart health6https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5429168/
- Improves brain health7https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15023571/
You can read more about the benefits of Collagen and why you should be taking it if you’re aged 30+ here.
Flaxseed Oil
Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids (“good fats”), flaxseed oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties and is known to improve cholesterol levels,8https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23585134/ blood pressure and even protect against brain ageing!9https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25789320/
Flaxseed oil has also been linked to healthier skin. A 2010 study of 36 women showed that adding flaxseed oil into their diet resulted in improved skin elasticity (meaning fewer wrinkles – yay!) as well as a smoother complexion and increased skin hydration.10https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21088453/ What’s not to love?
Try it in our Chocolate Gut-Brain-Health Smoothie for an extra boost!
Shatavari, or Asparagus racemosa, has been shown to reduce the free-radical skin damage that leads to wrinkles,11http://www.scienceasia.org/2015.41.n4/scias41_236.pdf but is more popularly known to regulate hormones and reduce the symptoms of menopause.12https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803318300010 Many menopausal symptoms occur due to the drop in oestrogen. Shatavari contains phytoestrogens, a plant-based, dietary form of oestrogen that may help ease hot flushes,13https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/13697137.2014.966241 vaginal dryness and insomnia.
You can read more about Shatavari here.
If you’re allergic to asparagus, avoid this supplement. Shatavari may have a diuretic effect. You shouldn’t take it with other diuretic herbs or drugs.
Turmeric
Research shows that turmeric has several major health benefits for both your body and brain! These include:
- Reduces inflammation and therefore inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s and other degenerative conditions.14https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6636482/15https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32286941/
- Has powerful antioxidant properties.16https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17569207/
- Relieves pain from osteoarthritis.17https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003001/
- Improves memory by reducing brain inflammation.18https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1064748117305110?via%3Dihub
- May increase levels of serotonin and dopamine – ‘your happy hormones’ – which help boost mood.19https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-008-1300-y
Turmeric can easily be added to soups, smoothies, rice, roasted veggies and even fancy frothy coffee ☕
Dark chocolate
Tasty and gut-healthy, dark chocolate is a rich source of polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals, all of which positively modulate the immune system.20https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36300165/ A number of studies have shown that consuming dark chocolate may lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.21https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5539137/ And the good news doesn’t stop there! It may also help maintain cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, and reduce the chance of progressing to dementia.22https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6571795/
When choosing dark chocolate, go for 70% or above and low sugar content. You can read more about the benefits of dark chocolate here.
Looking for more ways to age well? Check out A 3-step morning routine to help you age beautifully.
Questions? Get in touch with one of our Nutritional Therapists on live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.
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