Anti-Aging Diet/Food

Often we see people applying a number of different topical creams in the hopes of repairing skin damage or slowing down the aging process. However, one effective way our skin can show appreciation of our efforts is by eating right. People whose diets are abundant in antioxidants, beneficial fats, plenty of water, and essential vitamins and nutrients have a higher likelihood of preserving their skins tightness and shine well into their 40s and beyond.

Studies have found that plenty of fruits and veggies are the key to preventing age lines from forming in our skin. To help you in looking as young as you feel, here are 20 of the most beneficial foods you should consume.

1. Red Bell Pepper

Red bell peppers are loaded to the brim with antioxidants which are key to combating age marks. Apart from its high antioxidant levels, red bell peppers contain high levels of vitamin C which is essential for collagen production and tighter skin. The real skin-saving property comes from carotenoids, a powerful type of antioxidant, which loans a bright red/yellow/orange color to many food items. They have anti-inflammatory properties which shield our skin from sun damage, airborne pollutants, and even toxins found in the environment.

2. Blueberries

It’s no surprise that blueberries are also great at giving our skin a bright, healthy look; they’re rich in anthocyanin, a type of antioxidant known for keeping age from leaving its mark on our skin. Like carotenoids, anthocyanin helps in protecting us from sunburn, pollution, and even prevents collagen degradation. Not to mention blueberries carry a heck of a lot of vitamins A and C.

3. Spinach

Popeye the Sailor Man was onto something when he promoted spinach to the youth in the early 20th century. Spinach contains high levels of water and antioxidants which with the flow of oxygen through our anatomies. This leafy veggie is also rich in magnesium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K. A higher vitamin A intake has been linked to stronger, shinier, silkier hair.

4. Avocado

One of the latest foods trends, avocado has been known to fight aging through its high fatty acid content. The beneficial fats found in this bulbous fruit promote smoother, suppler skin. Avocados are also chock-full of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium. Antioxidants are also found in avocados, specifically carotenoids which can protect our skin from external forces such as sunlight and even cancer.

5. Pomegranate Seeds

It’s really not shocking that pomegranates can help promote healthier, younger skin since it’s been an essential ingredient in medicine for centuries. There are several potent antioxidants which can shield us from damage caused by free radicals and reduce the effects of inflammation. Not to mention they’re high in vitamin C; all the more reason to sprinkle a handful of these jewels on our salads.

6. Sweet Potatoes

Beta-carotene, an antioxidant which fights against free radicals and converts into vitamin A for better skin health, is what gives sweet potatoes its beautiful orange hue. Vitamin A is also essential for the shedding of dead cells which can reveal the soft, beautiful layer of skin underneath. Vitamins C and E are also present in these starchy guys and will give an extra boost of radiance to our skin.

7. Nuts

Nuts are an excellent source of vitamin E which helps in repairing damaged skin tissue, retaining moisture, and blocking harmful UV rays. This is especially true in almonds, though walnuts, pecans, and other types of nuts have these beneficial properties, but in lower quantities. Walnuts, however, are filled with omega-3 fatty acids which tighten our skin and gives it a natural oily barrier.

8. Broccoli

Even though our children don’t like them, broccoli is actually very important to improve skin health down the road. A single floret of broccoli contains vitamins C and K, fiber, calcium, and a wide range of potent antioxidants for keeping free radicals at bay. Even though smothering a plate of steamed broccoli in cheese won’t do very much for your health, at least it’ll give your skin a brighter glow.

9. Papaya

This superfood is jam-packed with antioxidants, and vitamins that improve the elasticity of our skin and reduce lining and wrinkling. What gives papaya its beautiful orange/reddish look is its carotenoid content, an antioxidant that wreaks havoc against signs of aging. The best thing is that you can get some of these benefits from showering with papaya soap.

10. Watercress

It’s safe to assume that watercress is named after its extremely high water content (95%) which, when consumed, will keep our skin sufficiently moisturized, a great way of keeping wrinkles and fine lines from showing up uninvited. Watercress has a moderately high level of antioxidants which will keep free radicals from doing their thing. The main magic behind this leafy green is that it behaves similarly to an antiseptic when consumed, improving the delivery of minerals to our entire body.

11. Pineapple

Not many people associate pineapples with combating signs of age since it has other properties that are more… interesting to say the least. However, pineapples are full of manganese, an important element for boosting collagen production in our systems. Pineapple flesh gets its color from – you guessed it – carotenoids, the antioxidant responsible for keeping external toxins from damaging our epidermis.

12. Brussel Sprouts

As kids, brussel sprouts were something to avoid. They looked like miniature heads of lettuce but tasted odd. As adults with more sophisticated palates, brussel sprout’s odd taste can be a risk worth taking since the vitamin A and folate content will protect our skin from accelerated aging due to sun damage, airborne pollutants, and toxins found in the environment.

13. Mushrooms

This pizza-topping ingredient also makes for an excellent addition to salads, especially if you’re looking to increase your vitamin D intake. This is one of the most important vitamins, yet one of the most difficult to find naturally. Without sufficient vitamin D, our bodies won’t be able to process calcium, which in turn affects our bone structure. It’s important that you feel as young as you look, and eating mushrooms can help you achieve this.

14. Oatmeal

Oatmeal (the organic kind, not the sugar bomb atrocities marketed to kids) is so simple that we oftentimes forget just how healthy it is. Our bodies need carbohydrates to function, but the healthier, more beneficial type of carb is complex carbs, something found in large quantities in oatmeal.  You can sweeten a bowl of oatmeal by adding a few tablespoons of honey to make it that much more delectable.

15. Green Tea

There are several types of green tea, but they all have one thing in common: polyphenols. Their polyphenol content helps in getting rid of free radical toxins. They also contain high levels of catechins, a molecule that helps in preventing sun damage to our skin. However, you should stay away from the matcha-based sugary drinks since their benefits are significantly outweighed by its sugar content.

16. Turmeric

Turmeric, a key ingredient in many Indian and Southeast Asian delicacies, is one of the most amazing superfoods on the planet. It has several anti-aging properties from its carotenoid content, the main component which gives turmeric its orange appearance. Turmeric has also been linked to reducing the risk of brain disorders and even certain types of cancer.

17. Sesame Seeds

You might think that sesame seeds do nothing but add texture to your burger buns, but you’d be wrong. Sesame seeds often get overlooked due to their size, but in reality only a small amount can contain high levels of iron, magnesium, fiber, and phosphorus – all necessary for fighting signs of age.

18. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the mysterious foods that has drawn up a lot of controversy. However, one thing is certain; coconuts oil’s ketone content prevents the degradation of our wits. Those who consume coconut oil regularly have been found to have a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. It’s also high in beneficial fats that our skin needs to retain moisture.

19. Olive Oil

From the piles of research showing the massive health benefits of olive oil, there’s really no reason to dab the stuff off of your pizza (though if you want to stay young, perhaps eat pizza only sparingly). The omega-3 fatty acid content in olive oil is what keeps us looking and feeling younger as we get on in age. Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean Diet which has been found to improve the overall health of its followers.

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