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Anti-aging superfoods - We all want to be ageless and here are a compilation of sixteen top nutrient-dense Superfoods for ultimate age-defying beauty!

Goji Berries

Goji berries, hollywoods hottest new food, are one of the most nutritionally dense foods on earth and house a staggering concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytochemicals and essential fatty acids.

With such an awesome constitution it is not surprising they are reputed anti-aging marvels. Originating in Tibet and greatly favoured in traditional medicine these dried berries have many noted health benefits including boosting immunity, lowering cholesterol, enhancing vision, fighting cancer cells, relieving depression and aiding weight loss.

Goji berries contain 500 times more vitamin C than oranges by weight and more beta-carotene than carrots making them a superb source of vitamin A. Together with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, these berries are ideal for any anti-aging and beauty regime. They also contain polysaccharides, one of which has been found to stimulate the secretion of the rejuvenating human growth hormone by the pituitary gland, as well as B vitamins, 21 minerals and 18 amino acids.

The most well documented case of longevity is that of Li Qing Yuen, who lived to the age of 252. Born in 1678, he is said to have married 14 times with 11 generations of posterity before his death in 1930. Li Qing Yuen reportedly consumed goji berries daily.

A study cited in Dr. Mindell’s book ‘Goji: The Himalayan Health Secret’, observed that 67 per cent of elderly people that were given a daily dose of the berries for 3 weeks experienced dramatic immune system enhancement and a significant improvement in spirit and optimism.

Acai Berries

Dubbed the world's number one superfood, the disease - fighting acai berry is at the top of most health-conscious consumer's list. The Amazon berry promises to increase energy levels and metabolism, protect the body against disease, boost the immune system, help in the fight against the flab, protect against stroke and heart attack, ward off cancer, improve overall health and even improve sex drive! Made up of almost pure fibre, it also helps to rid your body of harmful toxins, unmwanted bacteria and unused nutrients. Add to this a high dose of antixidants and vitamin C and E and this nutrient-rich fruit packs a powerful punch!

Aloe Vera

Foget botox, Aloe Vera increases collagen production 100% naturally for a youthful, wrinkle-free complexion and plump, beautiful skin. The ultimate botox alternative!

The inner gel of the aloe vera leaf contains around 200 active compounds with over 75 nutrients. These include 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins (even vitamin B12 – one of the very few plant sources of this vitamin). Aloe vera also has anti-microbial properties fighting fungi and bacteria and houses anti-inflammatory plant steroids and enzymes. Aloe vera is known to aid digestion and elimination, boost the immune system, and be highly effective at healing, moisturizing and rejuvianting the skin, naturally stimulating the production of collagen.

Aloe vera is best eaten fresh when possible (you can order large aloe vera leaves which last a few weeks refrigerated). Scrape out the inside gel, avoiding the outside of the leaf which is a strong laxative, and blend with fruit for the ultimate beautifying smoothie. Aloe vera has a mild flavor though a slight bitter edge, hence is best combined with fresh organic in season fruit.

Avocados

Avocados are smoothing and softening for the skin and easily absorbed; compared with almond, corn, olive, and soybean oils, avocado oil has the highest skin penetration rate.

Avocados are rich nutrients and like olive oil, contain healthy monounsaturated fats. They can aid weight-management by satiating the appetite and provide healthy oils that can be utilised by the body and protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol.

Avocado also contains vitamin E (excellent for the skin), antioxidant carotenoids and the master antioxidant glutathione that is exceptionally powerful and has anti-carcinogenic potential. High levels of glutathione are found in the liver where the elimination of toxic materials takes place.

Glutathione is effective against pollutants such as cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes as well as ultra-violet radiation. Research is currently exploring the potential benefits of glutathione for numerous conditions including cancer, heart disease, memory loss, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, eczema, liver disorders, heavy metal poisoning and AIDS.

Camu Camu

The camu camu fruit is loaded with powerful photochemicals and contains a healthy dose of vitamin C, containing a huge 30 to 60 times more vitamin C than oranges! A range of therapeutic effects, such as mood-lifting and energising abilities, as well as promotion of healthy gums, eyes and skin, and the ability to support the functioning of the brain and heart.

Chlorella

The nucleic acids RNA and DNA in Chlorella (one of the highest known sources of such) direct cellular growth and repair and enable our bodies to utilize nutrients more effectively, eliminate toxins and avoid disease. The production of nucleic acids in the body declines progressively as we age, which is no doubt why their intake is recommended by Dr. Benjamin Frank in ‘The No-Aging Diet’. Paul Pitchford in ‘Healing With Whole Foods’ writes that ‘insufficient nucleic acid causes premature aging as well as weakened immunity’, Research at the Medical College of Kanazawa in Japan found that mice that were fed chlorella had a 30 per cent increase in life span. Replenishing RNA and DNA can be key to overall health, immunity and longevity.

In addition to nucleic acids, chlorella is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, making it an incredibly rejuvinating and health-promoting superfood. Spirulina is a virtuous equivalent.

Bee pollen

When it comes to young and beautiful skin, bee pollen has outstanding gifts. Swedish dermatologist Dr. Lars-Erik Essen uses bee pollen to successfully treat acne and other skin conditions and observes it’s beautifying and anti-aging effects. He reports that bee pollen ‘seems to prevent premature aging of the cells and stimulates growth of new skin tissue. It offers effective protection against dehydration and injects new life into dry cells. It smoothes away wrinkles and stimulates a life-giving blood supply to all skin cells.’ He believes it’s skin rejuvintoin properties are due to its high concentration of nucleic acids RNA and DNA, as well as its natural antibiotic action. Bee pollen has a host of other health-promoting benefits that include fighting infections, lowering cholesterol, strengthening the blood, Boosting the immune system, increasing physical strength and stamina, aiding longevity and enhancing libido! It has been called a 'prefect food' because it is so nutritionally complete.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil speeds up your metabolism and can actually help you loose weight. It is also incredibly beautifying and moisturizing for the skin and has antioxidant properties which protect against free-radical damage, keeping the skin youthful and healthy. Taken internally or externally coconut oil is a great ally for any beauty skin care regime. It also contains lauric acid, an anti-microbial fatty acid that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Jerusalem Artichokes

Also known as sunchokes, these potasium-rich members of the sunflower family are a cross between a water chestnut, an artichoke and a potato. Unlike the potato, Jerusalem artichokes do not raise blood sugar levels, rather they assist in blood sugar control, making them the ideal superfood for diabetics. These tasty morsels also feed the healthy gut bacteria lactobacilli, which in turn help to fight infection, and a great source of iron - their iron levels are five times that of a potato.

Kakadu Plum

This Aussie superfood is another rich source of natural vitamin C - the native nutrient-rich fruit boasts over 50 times more vitamn C than an orange. Revered by indigenous Australians for thousands of years, it seems the rest of the world is finally starting to catch on with the Kakadu plum - also known as the gubinge, billygoat plum and murungu - now turning up in a long list of pharmaceuticals, therapeutic goods, cosmetics and gourmet foods.

Mangosteen

This superfood or so called 'miracle fruit' takes pride of place in a host of products, ranging from cosmetics to cuisine. Not only is it a sweet tasting Thai delight, but jam-packed full of fibre and antixidants, making it a great immune booster and energy source. It is clinically proven to stop fatigue in its tracks, promises to relieve pain, and has antidepressant and anti-anxiety qualities, as well as a strong anti-inflammatory efffect. Opt for pure mangosteen concentrate to experience the fruit's true healing power.

Maca Root

Peruvian women start to take Maca at the age of three, then gradually include it as a staple part of their diet. Maca is an energizing and revitalizing Super Food of the Incas, jam packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and all the essential amino acids. It contains unique alkaloids, which help stimulate the master glands that in turn may help optimize and balance the entire endocrine system. Maca can assist low libido, hormone balance and fertility. Maca is an Adaptogen which as the name suggest means that it helps the body to 'adapt' to particular stresses put upon and assists it to regulate itself naturally. Dried maca root can be added to smoothies, drinks or sprinkled onto muesli.

Pomegranate

Hailed by many as the latest disease-fighting superfood, pomegranates are packed with polyphenol antioxidants. Treasured for centuries - Helen of Troy is said to have used pomegranate seeds as part of her skincare routine and warriers allegedly called

Quandong

The sweet, peachy flavor of this nutrient-packed plant has long been sought after by indigenous Australians as a food source, as well as for its medicinal qualities. This unique fruit is said to treat rheumatism, heal sores and boils and can even be used as a hair conditioner.

Raw Cacao

The humble cacao bean holds a smorgasbord of antioxidants, flavonoids and catechins.  Improve skin elasticity, unleash optimal brain power and eat your way to a healthier heart with a quality dark chocolate (dark chocolate has a higher % of cacao - 75% cacao or higher). Opt for only organic chocolate or 100 % organic non-alkalised cocoa powder.

Tart Cherries

Phenolics, which are naturally-occuring plant compound, also gicv these sour-tasting treats anti-inflammmatory and antioxidant effects. These potent superfoods are also packed with melatonin, making them a great aid in the fight against jet lag, memory loss and even ageing!

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