Age-defying nutrition for healthier, happy lives.
In her new book, The Food Fountain Of Youth, clinical nutritionist Lonneke Botello Hernandez explores the science behind beauty nutrition and provides recipes and advice for looking and feeling healthy from the inside-out.
For those that don’t know, what exactly is an anti-ageing and beauty nutritionist?
Beauty and anti-aging nutrition is about eating foods or key nutrients. Consuming more beauty nutrients aids your body to be healthier from the inside to create a healthier look on the outside while improving the quality of your life and longevity.
What sparked your passion for this field?
As a child, I faced many health struggles, particularly skin issues, and discovered numerous food sensitivities. Through this, I learned which foods and nutrients could harm or help me, sparking my love for understanding how food can heal the body from the inside out.
My passion led me to study clinical nutrition at university, and soon after, I opened my practice. Helping others feel better and be happier is deeply fulfilling for me.
In my early twenties, I entered a local beauty pageant and was placed second runner-up. I went on to compete in Miss Universe, Miss Bikini, and Miss New Zealand Queen of the World, winning the title in 2013. Through these pageants, I aimed to promote a healthy body image through balanced diet and lifestyle. Although I resigned from the title, I was inspired by how many young women I’d influenced so continued my mission to promote inner health for outer beauty and confidence.
After completing a diploma in anti-ageing and beauty nutrition, I became a beauty nutrition practitioner, and realised that there was still so much information to be discovered in the evolving field that I decided to do my own research and write a book about the amazing nutrients that are readily available to slow the signs of ageing.
The Food Fountain of Youth: Nutrients with science-based benefits for antiaging & beauty by Lonneke B. H, illustrations by Floor van Lierop, thisisthem, published by Bateman Books, RRP $39.99
Tell us about your new book, The Food Fountain Of Youth?
It’s all about educating and exciting the every-day person to include more beauty nutrients into their diet and making small changes in their lifestyle to enable them to live a longer, quality, and beautiful life!
What are some of the science-backed anti-ageing nutrients?
Our bodies fight free radicals daily; more free radical damage accelerates ageing. Antioxidants neutralise this oxidation, so consuming them regularly can significantly slow ageing and improve health and wellbeing.
Another favourite is hydroxytyrosol, a polyphenol found only in olives, discovered by accident. It has the highest level of natural antioxidant activity, neutralising cell-damaging free radicals. Olives also contain essential fatty acids, and vitamins E and K.
There is lots of conflicting information about which is more important – food, or exercise. What’s your take?
While exercise is essential, survival depends on nutrients and food quality. As a former competitive runner, I learned that diet directly impacts energy and recovery.
Follow Lonneke on Instagram: @lonneke_bh
or Facebook: @Lonneke BH – Author.
