Have you been noticing any signs of aging like Hair loss, Wrinkles or sagging, Dry or itchy skin or Sunspots?
Aging is no longer an inevitable process.
The older we get, the more we need to take care of our skin and body to combat the signs of aging and slow down the process.
When we include rich foods loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, water, and essential nutrients in our diet, our body shows its appreciation through its largest organ: our skin.
What are common factors that cause premature aging?
There are many common factors that can cause you to get premature aging like smoking, your genes, Sun exposure and tanning (Always use sunscreen), Sleep habits, Diet, Alcohol and caffeine intake, Environment or Stress.
But How Can Eating Foods Help You Fight The Signs Of Aging?
“Eating a diet rich in antioxidants from fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, and whole grains may help fight the signs of aging.”
The benefits of antioxidants are numerous. They include anti-aging properties and decrease the risk of developing cancer. Antioxidants also provide an increase in energy and an improvement in moods.
Eating anti-aging foods can help decrease signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin because it boosts your body’s ability to produce collagen and elastin, making skin tighter and less prone to sagging.
Anti-ageing food can also increase energy levels and decrease signs like fatigue or weight gain that may come with age.
What is collagen, and what is its role in anti-aging?
Collagen constitutes of the most abundant protein in the body of human beings. It is present in skin, blood vessels, bone, teeth, cartilage, muscles, etc, and is responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity, or stretchiness in your body.
As we age, our existing collagen breaks down, and it gets harder for our body to produce more collagen naturally. There are plenty of products on the market to help your body with its collagen needs. Still, the most effective way to get collagen is from consuming anti-aging food that contain high amounts of antioxidants.
These 10 anti-aging foods will not only help keep your body healthy but also keep your skin youthful and vibrant.
1. Red bell pepper
Capsicum is good for your health, but you need to know that red bell pepper (Red Capsicum) has even more health benefits for your skin. (1)
Red bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants Which reign supreme when it comes to anti-aging. In addition to their high vitamin C content, red bell peppers contain powerful antioxidants called carotenoids. (2)
Carotenoids are responsible for the bright colors you see in many fruits and vegetables. They have various anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect skin from sun damage, pollution, and environmental toxins. (3)
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded in vitamins A and C, and an anti-aging antioxidant called anthocyanin, A compound responsible for their deep, beautiful blue color.
This powerful antioxidant may help protect your skin from sun damage, stress, and pollution by decreasing the inflammatory response. (4)
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is an anti-inflammatory, anti-aging powerhouse loaded
with:
- vitamins C and K
- a variety of antioxidants
- lutein
- folate
- fiber
- calcium
Your body needs vitamin C for collagen production, the main protein in the skin that gives it strength, elasticity and helps your skin look shiny and vibrant. (5)
4. Papaya
Papaya is considered a superfood rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that make your skin more elastic and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
The wide range of antioxidants in papaya helps fight free radical damage and may delay signs of aging.
Papaya contains an enzyme called papain. Studies have shown papain provides anti-aging benefits by working as one of nature’s best anti-inflammatory agents and keeps the skin youthful and vibrant. (6)
5. Spinach
Eating spinach daily has many health benefits that can aid in good digestion, regulate blood sugar, prevent constipation, and control your hunger.
Spinach is loaded with antioxidants that help to oxygenate and replenish the entire body. It’s also rich in:
- vitamins A, C, E, and K
- magnesium
- lutein
- iron
Spinach’s high vitamin C content improves collagen production to keep skin firm and smooth. But that’s not all. The vitamin A it provides may promote strong, shiny hair, while vitamin K has been shown to help reduce inflammation in cells. (7)
6. Avocados
Avocados are one of the best foods for anti-aging and longevity. This is because they are high in inflammation-fighting fatty acids that promote smooth, supple skin.
They also contain various essential nutrients like:
- vitamins K, C, E, and A
- B vitamins
- potassium
Research suggests that vitamin A in avocados can help us shed dead skin cells, leaving us with beautiful, glowing skin. Their carotenoid content may also aid in blocking toxins and damage from the sun’s rays and help protect against skin cancers. (8)
7. Water
With dehydration, the skin can become more exposed to skin disorders and premature wrinkling, so staying hydrated and drinking enough water throughout the day is necessary.
Drinking enough water is essential to flush out all the toxins from your body and help keep a good ph balance in the skin.
Studies have shown that drinking more water can help Reduces Wrinkles, Prevents Pimples and Acne, improve skin elasticity and Boost metabolism.
It is recommended that adults should drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day.
8. Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate might be the most delicious and satisfying anti-aging food.
Dark chocolate is packed with biologically active organic compounds that function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavonols, and catechins.
The flavonols have been shown can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and enhance skin density and hydration. (9)
9. Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate has been hailed for centuries as a medicinal fruit.
These healthy fruits are high in vitamin C and various powerful antioxidants known to protect our body from free radical damage and reduce levels of inflammation in our system.
Pomegranates also contain a compound called punicalagin, which may help protect collagen in the skin, and slow signs of aging. (10)
10. Walnuts
Walnuts are the perfect snack for anti-aging.
They contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that may help strengthen skin cell membranes, protect skin against sun damage, and provide skin with a beautiful glow by preserving its natural oil barrier. (11)
Studies also show that walnuts prevent dementia and keep your brain young while fighting heart disease by improving your cholesterol.