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| Anti Aging Foods |
Anti Aging
Our skin is a clear indication of
how well we treat our bodies — after all, we are what we eat and the state of
our health and our diet is apparent on our body’s largest organ, the skin. Of
course heredity factors, sun exposure, skincare and hydration factor in too
but if we can look and feel better with a wrinkle-free, smooth, fabulous
complexion by eating the right foods, then we might as well try.
A healthy well balanced whole-food
diet is very important in reducing the incidence of disease while also reducing
the effects of aging, but here are a few foods that really have an anti-aging
punch.
Anti Aging Superfoods:
These foods will keep your
complexion looking smooth by fighting those pesky (skin-damaging) free
radicals:
1. Blueberries
These little
fruits, including other berries such as blackberries, raspberries,
mulberries and cranberries, offer large amounts of antioxidants such as
flavonols, anthocyanins and vitamin C which helps reduce cellular aging. The
darker black and blue colored berries provide the best anti-aging
benefits because they have the highest concentration of
antioxidants. Blueberries have also shown excellent promise
for boosting memory in aging patients.
2. Leafy Greens
Bet you could have guessed this
one! Dark leafy greens, particularly spinach and kale which contain the two
antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, have been shown to protect against the
negative effects of UV exposure. Every time the skin is exposed to UV light,
damage occurs and the cumulative effect of that repeated damage is epidermal
DNA damage, persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and suppression of
T-cell mediated immunity. This then contributes to the increased risk of skin
cancer and skin aging. A study demonstrated that women who consumed
a higher intake of green and yellow vegetables had a lower incidence of
wrinkles.
3. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are high in silica which
helps form the collagen that supports a wrinkle free face.
4. Guava
Guava fruit contains a very high
level of vitamin C which supports collagen production and skin appearance.
5. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in lycopene (so
are watermelons!) which acts as an internal sunscreen protecting the skin
from UV radiation, sunspots and aging. They also contain vitamin C for
collagen strength and potassium which regulates the water and nutrient content
of the cells in the skin.
6. Avocado
Avocado is such a gorgeous fruit,
that also helps make your skin beautiful. Its essential fatty acids support
healthy oils within the skin, and it also offers vitamin E and biotin which
also offers skin, nail and hair nutrient support.
7. Pomegranate
These amazing seeds contain
ellagic acid and punicalagin that support anti-aging by inhibiting free
radical damage and protecting and preserving the collagen in your skin.
8. Wild Fish
Wild (oily ones especially) fish
including sardines, herring, mackerel and wild salmon offer omega-3 fatty
acids that support skin, hair and nail moisture and skin elasticity by
strengthening skin-cell membranes.
9. Walnuts
Walnuts are particularly high in
polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E which are naturally anti-aging and
anti-inflammatory.
10. Dark (High Quality) Chocolate
Antioxidant flavanols found in
dark good quality cacao helps reduce inflammation of theskin caused by
exposure to UV light. It may also increase circulation in the skin and
improves its ability to retain moisture, which can reduce the appearance of
wrinkles.
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