The elixir of life that can turn back the clock and prevent ageing has been sought since time began. Scientists now realise the food we eat may hold the answer. The foods that provide the strongest anti-ageing effect are those that contain antioxidants, which protect against free radicals. Antioxidants are found in all fruit and vegetables. Those featured in the top six anti-ageing foods here are a mere selection of those available. Also think carrots, pawpaw, avocados, kiwi fruit, strawberries, grapes… the list of healthy, anti-ageing foods is endless!

Dark green leafy vegetables (eg broccoli, spinach)
Dark green leafy vegetables are a rich source of vitamin C, carotenoids and anti-cancer substances such as sulphoraphane and genistein. They contain a variety of carotenoid pigments, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which help to prevent age-related eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene - a powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer agent that helps to prevent cell ageing. Cooking tomatoes releases five times more lycopene than is available from raw tomatoes. Increasing research suggests that, of the many types of carotenoids found in food, lycopene is the most beneficial for protecting against coronary heart disease and cancer – especially cancer of the lung, stomach, mouth, colon, rectum and prostate gland. Lycopene is also important for eye health.

After accounting for smoking, people with the lowest levels of lycopene are three times more likely to develop lung cancer than those with the highest intakes.

Garlic
Garlic has antioxidant, antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties. While it is used to help treat intestinal, respiratory and skin infections, its most important use is to help maintain a healthy heart and circulation. Garlic can reduce high blood pressure, lower levels of harmful blood fats (LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides), reduce blood stickiness, dilate blood vessels and improve peripheral blood flow.

Soybeans
Soybeans contain isoflavones – weak, hormone-like substances that help to prevent ageing due to hormone imbalances. They are also believed to help protect against hormone-sensitive cancers, such as those of the breast and prostate gland. Soybeans are not that tasty on their own, but soybean products such as tofu, miso and tempeh are more palatable. Aim to eat a soya product at least twice a week – if not every day. Bread containing soy and linseed extracts (rich in plant oestrogens) is also available.

Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are rich in vitamin E, selenium, zinc and essential fatty acids. Aim to eat at least 30g daily, eg sprinkled on salads, vegetables and cereals. Selenium is needed to produce antibodies, for healthy skin and thyroid function as well as being vital for the action of many important antioxidant enzymes in the body. The richest dietary source of selenium is brazil nuts. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and have been shown to help reduce a raised cholesterol level.

Bio yoghurt
Live bio yoghurt, which contains friendly probiotic bacteria, helps to boost intestinal health, and aids digestion and the absorption of nutrients from the gut. Probiotic bacteria have been shown to boost immunity and help to guard against some allergic conditions such as eczema.

Your best anti-ageing diet
Choose organic fruit and vegetables Eat fresh produce within a day of purchase Eat three servings of fresh fruit per day Eat three servings of raw or lightly steamed vegetables per day Eat a large raw-food salad per day, including as wide a variety of plants as possible, eg fennel, chicory, mixed baby lettuce leaves, watercress, spinach, grated carrot, peas, tomato, cucumber, sweetcorn, grated beetroot, grated broccoli, nuts, seeds, etc Aim for colour on your plate – mix dark green, orange, yellow and red vegetables as much as possible Consider making liquidised soups from raw vegetables and just warming through before serving Avoid foods that are smoked, pickled or salted Eat a low-fat diet that provides fewer calories than you need so you slowly lose any excess weight Eat fewer foods of animal origin, especially red meat, and replace with fish and soybeans Eat more wholegrain products Cut out all polyunsaturated fats, margarine, vegetable shortening and hydrogenated fats - only use olive oil or rapeseed oil Experiment with a semi-fast once a week in which you just eat small amounts of fruit/vegetables plus mineral water during the day Consider taking an antioxidant supplement