- Ensure your diet is rich is nutrients, but lean in fat and calories for overall health and to reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer
- Enhance your immune system with foods rich in antioxidants.
- Keep your digestive system healthy.
- Strengthen bones with diet and exercise
- Protect eyesight with antioxidants
- Homocysteine
As we get older, our bodies produce more of an amino acid called homocysteine, which comes from eating animal protein. Raised homocysteine levels are though to clog arteries and increase blood clotting, and may be more harmful than cholesterol, resulting in heart disease, leg ulcers and deep vein thrombosis. Increased intake of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 can reduce homocyestine levels.
- Vital vitamins and minerals for healthy ageing
Beta-carotene
A powerful antioxidant, protects arteries, converts to vitamin A in the body, boosts immunity, promotes strong teeth and bones, and keeps skin healthy and essential for good vision.
Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C also boosts immunity and fights infection; it is involved in collagen production and protects against skin damage; it helps prevent the development of age-related cataracts, and is thought to reduce the risk of stroke. Vitamin C also helps your body to absorb iron and folic acid effectively and in turn food into energy. A daily intake of the vitamin is vital.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has a key function as an anticoagulant and is therefore crucial for a healthy heart and blood supply. It also helps keep skin looking young and reduces the risk of dementia. Although fat soluble, it is stored in the body for only a short period of time and regular intake in essential. Absorption is reduced by high intakes of iron.
Selenium
A key antioxidant, selenium is more powerful if taken with vitamin E, and visa versa; it helps to protect the body from a wide range of diseases including cancer. Selenium stimulates the immune system; it is required for healthy muscles (including heart muscles), good eyesight and healthy skin. It also reduces the inflammation of arthritis.
Zinc
Zinc plays a crucial role in the protection and repair of DNA, and helps regulate hormone levels. A powerful antioxidant and immune system booster, it is also good for brain function and a healthy nervous system. It can help deal with arthritis.
Folic acid
A member of the B-complex family, folic acid works with other B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12. Folic acid is important is helping ward of anaemia, and reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering levels of the amino acid homocystein.