8 things you didn't know were ageing you

What's ageing your... waistline?

Plastic containers

Chemicals leaching from these are one of the major sources of synthetic oestrogens in your body. In 'From Belly Fat to Belly Flat' (Vermilion, £6.99), US hormone expert Dr CW Randolph links these to age-related
weight gain. "In your late 20s and early 30s, oestrogen becomes the
dominant hormone in your body," he says. "Oestrogen triggers fat deposition, and this is worsened if you're also exposed to synthetic oestrogens in the environment."

Halt the decline Use glass containers, keep plastics out of sunlight and never reheat food in plastic trays. And eat three portions of cruciferous veg and one citrus portion daily to stimulate oestrogen metabolism as, Dr Randolph reminds us, "Citrus fruit and cruciferous veg, such as broccoli, contain substances that can help increase the rate at which oestrogen leaves your system."

You might also like... Blame it on your hormones