While it’s impossible to reverse the clock, certain methods can indeed make us appear younger.
One individual who embodies this is health enthusiast Gina Stewart, famously known as the “world’s hottest gran” due to her youthful appearance that often leads people to mistake her for someone half her age.
The 54-year-old grandmother-of-three from Australia’s Gold Coast attributes her age-defying looks to five straightforward and budget-friendly habits that she believes are vital for her overall health and wellbeing.
Oranges
One of her go-to snacks is oranges, which she describes as “anti-aging marvels”. In a recent interview with Reach PLC, Gina explained: “At 54 I’m not messing around. I’m still young enough to shape up and look good, take care of myself and I’m old enough to know better.”
Oranges, available at Tesco for just 30p, are rich in vitamin C, a crucial component for collagen production. This helps maintain skin elasticity and reduce visible wrinkles, reports Surrey Live.
According to the NHS, oranges also play a role in “helping to protect cells and keeping them healthy” while “maintaining healthy skin, vessels, bones and cartilage”. Gina has praised the citric acid found in oranges for its ability to exfoliate dead skin and diminish dark spots.
She also credits oranges with supporting healthy blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and keeping eyes youthful – a notion that’s backed by Harvard health experts who acknowledge the anti-inflammatory qualities of oranges as advantageous in cutting down the risk of chronic illnesses.
The influencer, who savours fresh oranges without any added sugars and enjoys adding orange segments to her oatmeal, yoghurts, and smoothies, shared: “By incorporating oranges into your daily diet or skincare routine, you can enjoy these powerful anti-aging benefits, giving your skin a radiant glow and your body the vitality it needs to thrive. A simple habit like eating an orange daily could be your best kept secret.”
No cosmetic enhancements
If you’re under the impression that Gina looks younger due to costly cosmetic procedures, think again. The grandmother, who shot to fame in 2019 after participating in a Maxim modelling contest, adheres to a straightforward beauty principle: she doesn’t interfere with her face.
She clarified: “I don’t mess with my face. I’ve had no Botox, no filler, and no surgery.”
Hydration
In addition to a nutritious diet and regular basic exercise, Gina stresses the importance of hydration. Her personal tip is to drink one glass of coconut water every day, particularly during or following a workout.
She further shared: “I exclusively drink filtered water from a BPA-free bottle, occasionally enjoying chamomile or green tea for its antioxidant. I [also] end my showers with a cold blast to tighten and refresh my skin.”
Alongside the invigorating cold shower finish, Gina also makes it a point to moisturise her entire body daily, using rose hip oil on her face and caster oil for her neck and eye areas. Coconut water, rich in electrolytes that can alleviate muscle cramps post-exercise and packed with potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and vitamin C, is another of her go-to’s.
Coconut water however may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with kidney disease, high blood pressure, or high sodium levels, who should consult healthcare professionals before incorporating it into their diet.
Lemons
Another surprisingly affordable snack that Gina swears by is the simple lemon, which she even uses as an alternative to conventional deodorant.
Speaking to the Daily Star, she revealed: “I use it as an underarm deodorant and lemons last more than 24 hours better than any deodorant on the market. They give me a complete 24-hour protection without odour and it is 100% natural protection. It is one of the key things for my health and fitness and skin especially and I’d recommend others to do the same because lemons have numerous health benefits.”
Gina, who embraced motherhood at 19, doesn’t just rely on lemons as a substitute for Nivea; she incorporates two lemons into her daily smoothies. Additionally, she opts for lemon water due to its high vitamin and nutrient content paired with low calories.
She listed other reasons below:
- Immune system: Vitamin C in lemons helps boost the immune system
- Weight management: Vitamin C in lemons may help with weight management
- Kidney stones: The citric acid in lemons may help prevent kidney stones
- Sore throats: Drinking warm water with lemon and honey can soothe a sore throat
- Skin health: Anti ageing Vitamin C helps the body make collagen, which supports the skin and elasticity
- Dehydration: Drinking lemonade can help prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of heat stroke
Sleep
She believes that sleep plays a vital role in maintaining her looks, aiming for seven to eight hours of rest each night.
Dr Naheed Ali recently discussed the importance of sleep with Reach PLC, highlighting the negative impacts of consistently getting less than six hours. He explained, “Getting less than six hours of sleep a night might not seem like a huge deal at first. But over time, it can take a serious toll on your mind and body.”
He emphasised that sleep is crucial for the body’s repair processes, and skimping on it can lead to significant issues. The doctor explained: “Sleep is when your body really does its best repair work, and therefore cutting it short leaves you running on empty and struggling in ways you might not even realise are connected to your lack of shut-eye.”
Detailing the consequences, Dr Ali continued: “Your brain feels it initially. Memory gets unreliable, focus waivers, and decision-making becomes much harder. You’re also more irritable, less productive, and prone to stress.Over time this can lead to far bigger issues like anxiety or depression. Physically, the effects will soon start to pile up. Sleep deprivation weakens your immune system, so you start craving junk food that only makes you feel worse. As a result, this can lead to weight gain and potentially increase your risk of heart problems.”
He warned that chronic sleep deprivation could escalate into more severe problems such as anxiety or depression. On the physical side, lack of sleep can compromise the immune system, increase cravings for unhealthy food, contribute to weight gain, and potentially heighten the risk of heart conditions.