We all know the term ‘aging gracefully’. However, the social pressures on us to look younger for longer are high. There are lots of expensive cosmetics, surgical procedures and miracle cures out there claiming to smooth the skin, rub away those wrinkles or reverse aging but what goes into these cures isn’t always safe, can be full of toxins and even painful. So are there any natural solutions to healthy aging?

The first thing we need to understand is how we age. Collagen is a protein found in our connective tissues with approximately 75% in our skin and around 30% in our bodies such as cartilage and tendons. Although there are four types of collagen found in our bodies, it is Type I that is associated with aging as it is present in our skin, ligaments and bones. Type I collagen helps to provide the firmness and elasticity in our skin but as we get older collagen production declines causing joint pain, sagging skin and wrinkles! Lifestyle factors also play their part – smoking, too much sun exposure and diets high in sugar all contribute to lowering collagen levels.

Collagen is made up of 19 different amino acids with the most important amino acids lysine, proline, glycine and glutamine. To keep your skin supple and firm and your joints in good condition we need to increase the collagen in our diet. The good news is we can get these essential nutrients needed for collagen production from food and natural supplement sources.

Fresh foods

Chicken and meat are rich sources amino acids lysine and proline. Fish provides glycine and proline. Eggs also contain mostly Type 1 collagen. Wheat germ is a plant based source of proline. Orange coloured vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A which helps to restore and regenerate collagen. Berries such as raspberries and blueberries help to scavenge free radicals which cause aging skin whilst helping to increase collagen levels. Lycopene found in red veggies like tomatoes and beetroot also boosts collagen.

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We all know how cool it is to drink coffee – caramel mocha espresso with double shot anyone? But did you know it’s now hip to be a connoisseur of herbal tea?

Herbal tea is not the drab boring tastes-like-grass concoction it once was. Sure, if you want a good therapeutic dose of a specific herb that’s the way to go. Not so tasty but with amazing health benefits.

But nowdays there is a beautiful range of tasty AND good for you herbal teas. Traditional herbs are paired with fruits and berries to give a taste sensation. Get your therapeutic benefits of digestive support or relaxation and sleep whilst sipping a cup of hot delicious tea. Look out for certified organic and fair trade herbal teas. Most good brands will also have unbleached tea bags too.

Did you know that herbal tea isn’t actually ‘tea’? Tea is from a specific tea plant such as black or white tea. Herbal teas are an infusion of leaves, seeds, roots or bark. Herbal teas are sometimes known as tisanes which means an infusion of herbs, spices or other plants in hot water.

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At least one in three people have a mild form of insomnia, and if you’re tired of staring at the ceiling, night after night, it’s time to take action. However, because there are so many sleep products on the market, it can be tough to decide what to try first. You could, of course, skip right to the sleeping pills, but who wants to feel groggy when they wake up? It might be time to consider essential oils instead. We’ve included just a few of the many available options below.

Lavender
Lavender, for many years, has been known as a sleep-inducing essential oil. It can ease anxiety and insomnia, reduce your stress levels, and eventually, lull you into a restful sleep. What’s more, researchers have even proven that lavender increases slow-wave sleep, a form of rest you typically know as a deep slumber, and decreases your heartbeat and relaxes your muscles in the process.

Sandalwood
Sandalwood is normally used as a form of incense for making your home smell nice, but it also promotes quality sleep. It can reduce your levels of anxiety, put you into a meditative state, and even put a stop to insomnia. This distinctive, milky, smooth scent is sure to have you sleeping like a baby in no time.

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