1 Munching for memory: Keep your brain young by eating carrots, celery, rosemary and thyme. Walnuts are also known to boost brain power, but roasting them reduces antioxidant quality.
2 The good oil: Olive oil, long used in the Mediterranean diet, contains powerful antioxidants and is believed to lower the risk of coronary heart disease. It's also used as a moisturiser.
3 Youthful yoghurt: Soviet Georgia once had more people per capita over the age of 100 than any other country. Apparently yoghurt was seen as the secret to their longevity. Rich in calcium, yoghurt helps reduce the likelihood of osteoporosis and contains good bacteria for gut health.
4 Fishy tales: Okinawa in Japan also has a reputation for the long lives of its residents. Protein in the form of fresh fish was one staple in their diets. Omega-3 fats in fish help prevent cholesterol build-up in arteries.
5 The food of love: Dark chocolate is rich in cocoa flavanols, helping the healthy function of blood vessels while lowering the risk of high blood pressure and dementia. It might even make you smile, taking years off how old you look.
