Beauty superfoods: elixirs of youth on a plate

Amazonian tribes in Brazil have grown health-promoting berries since time immemorial. Their high omega-9, omega-6 and antioxidant content strengthens skin's the hydrolipidic film, to keep it hydrated and help maintain its elasticity and suppleness.

Goji berries. Asians call revitalising goji berries 'happy fruits', as they're packed with vitamins, nutrients and trace elements that combat ageing skin and brighten the complexion.

This beauty superfood is gorged with vitamin C and antioxidants that stimulate collagen production.

Tumeric. All spices have a relatively high antioxidant content. Tumeric, however, is a spicy superhero! It regulates the cardiovascular system and neutralises the free radicals responsible for premature ageing skin.

Durian. It may be a bit smelly, but this fruit is bursting with fibre, phytonutrients, essential amino acids, vitamins and proteins that combat free radicals.

Pumpkin enzymes. Whether in soups, salads or a beauty treatment, pumpkin enzymes brighten, moisturise and soften skin. They act as carriers that allow other active ingredients to be better absorbed, thereby enhancing their performance.

Ginkgo biloba. This Asian tree is one of the oldest species in the world! Deemed to increase life expectancy, this beauty superfood helps fight fatigue and cell degeneration.

Pomegranate. Ancient cultures knew all about the health benefits of pomegranates' red, juicy pulp. It's a popular cosmetic ingredient, as its regenerating and antioxidant properties help preserve youthful skin.

Wheatgrass. Thanks to its vitamins, amino acids and flavonoids, enjoying a daily glass of this beauty superfood helps treat acne, scars and blemishes.

Hijiki. This black, iodine-rich Japanese algae also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B12 (rarely found in edible plants) that help fight ageing skin.

Cod liver oil. Although not the tastiest of beauty superfoods, its an excellent source of hyaluronic acid and vitamin A. These two active ingredients combat ageing skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and boosting cell renewal

Japanese maize. Little known in the UK, Japanese maize is a popular beauty superfood amongst our oriental friends. Why? It combines a low molecular weight with a record-high concentration of hyaluronic acid. It's moisturising action, when incorporated into anti-ageing treatments, gives skin a lovely, dewy look.

Blueberries. As with blackberries and cranberries, these berries contain significant amounts of antioxidants and vitamin C to combat cell ageing. The blacker the better, if you want the maximum dose of antioxidants.

Green tea. Rich in antioxidants, green tea combats ageing skin by destroying the free radicals that cause skin to lose elasticity.

Wakame. Once this Japanese algae is absorbed by our skin, it's able to reactivate the 14 genes in our extracellular matrix that control skin density.