6 of the best anti-ageing foods

It may seem as obvious as Posh's boob job, but you ARE what you eat. With this in mind, we reveal the most nutritious food types for a more youthful appearance

Fabulous fruit and vegetables

Your five-a-day is vital when it comes to achieving a healthy, glowing complexion, supplying it with a fabulous source of vitamins, minerals, fibre and water. Along with nourishing and cleansing, Vitamin C strengthens capillaries and collagen, while Vitamin C, beta-carotene (the pigment found in carrots, apricots and mangoes) and Vitamin E (in avocados and kiwi fruit) all neutralise the effects of free-radicals which can contribute to premature ageing.

Best sources of Vitamin C are citrus fruits and juices, slow cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet peppers and green peas. Potassium, which is found in all fruits and vegetables, helps regulate fluid balance in the cells and so combats puffiness and fluid retention.

Rich in Vitamin C and beta-carotene and good at zapping free radicals, blueberries are one of the best anti-ageing foods. Best eaten raw when their Vitamin C content is at its highest, sprinkle them on your cereal and do your skin a favour!

Great whole grains

Whole grain foods are rich in fibre, which benefits the skin in a number of ways. They are also good for the digestive system, helping you stay fuller for longer and reducing constipation. And when your digestive system is working well, your skin will radiate health and vitality.

Whole grains are also rich in B Vitamins such as B2 and B3, which can help maintain normal skin function. Step up intake of whole wheat, oatmeal and brown rice, and avoid refined cereals such as white bread, white flour and white rice.

Whole grains, along with wheat germ, also contain selenium, a mineral antioxidant that can help minimise the damage of ultraviolet light, while research has shown that it might even aid in skin cancer prevention. Zinc can also be found in whole grains, which assists in maintaining elastin fibres and collagen to promote firmer skin, while helping to reduce and prevent wrinkles.