Food as a tool to slow down ageing is becoming the subject of serious research, and studies suggest antioxidants may be the most helpful weapon to slow down the process.
Founder of Fabulous 50s Schellea is a firm believer that antioxidants have helped preserve her youthful glow, as she explained to her 1.74 million followers on YouTube.
The beauty influencer, who leans on scientific research to inform her dietary choices, lauded the benefits of one particular plant; broccoli sprouts.
The superstar ingredient in broccoli is sulforaphane, which is also present in several cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and kale.
Women can slow down ageing by emphasising antioxidants in the diet
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“You can delay ageing by eating the most anti-ageing food on the planet,” the 57-year-old declared in a clip. “The highest amount of Sulforaphane is found in broccoli sprouts.
“This is amazing for women in our age group, because we can actually [...] do something, that you can make yourself, and it does make a difference.”
The research suggests that during digestion, sulforaphane encourages a balance in those with oestrogen dominance during and after menopause.
The anti-ageing benefits of the compound stem mainly from its antioxidant activity, which neutralises the damaging particles responsible for hindering the production of healthy cells.
What's more, these powerful antioxidants offer several additional benefits for the body that can reduce a person’s overall risk of disease over time.
The best way to sulforaphane from food is to eat it in its plant form, along with a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
“For three months I’ve been taking Sulforaphane and I’ve noticed a difference inside of my body. When I first started taking it it first felt like things were churning up a little bit.
“I know because of the research because it’s so in-depth that this is [...] something that we should all be doing because it’s affordable and it’s natural. It’s [...] easy and delays the ageing process.”
Writing in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry in 2021, researchers confirmed that supplementation with the nutrient improved skin ageing.
“Dietary supplementation with sulforaphane ameliorates skin ageing through activation” through activation of specific pathways, the authors explained.
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Broccoli sprouts contain high doses of sulforaphane
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It comes as women have been advised to increase their intake of plant-based proteins like legumes and tofu to assist in weight management in their 50s.
Upping the intake of plant-based proteins like legumes and tofu helps the body stay fuller for longer and contributes to higher muscle mass.
Scientists have also discussed how certain food groups like carbohydrates are essential for helping women navigate hormonal shifts during menopause.
They also advise against cutting out protein from the diet, which is essential for prolonging a person's healthspan.