Today we have a informative post by Lisa Hill about How Food Habits Can Slow Down Aging.
The food we eat has a direct impact on our health and the way we look. Gorging on refined and processed foods high in sugars, carbohydrates and unhealthy fats slows down body’s metabolism.
These foods are hard to digest and remain in our systems for extended durations. Eating these foods trigger an inflammatory response in the body and puts unnecessary burden on the digestive organs which causes accumulation of toxins, fats and other harmful substances in the body.
This deposition of toxins quickens the process of ageing and makes us appear aged. Consuming high calorie foods devoid of essential nutrients is known to damage the collagen tissues, which leads to appearance of wrinkles on skin.
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There are certain foods that are packed with antioxidants, whose main role is to prevent oxidation of cells in the body.
The ageing process also results in loss of muscle mass. To counteract this damage in muscle tissues, one needs to increase the intake of proteins. Some foods have detoxifying properties and their inclusion in meals is vital to eliminate toxins stored in the body.
FOODS TO EAT
Of all the anti-ageing remedies that promise to prevent skin ageing, eating foods with anti-ageing benefits is considered the best way to feel and look youthful and healthy. We have put together a list of anti ageing foods to include in your diet and foods to avoid to slow down the process of ageing.
Fruits
Fruits and all types of berries are great for delaying signs of premature ageing as they are anbabundant source of antioxidants, which helps in fighting off the effects of free radicals on skin.
Fruits such as kiwis, pomegranates, oranges, apples, mangoes, grapes, grapefruit and lemons are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin plays a key role in formation of collagen in skin. Increasing the intake of fruits rich in this important vitamin makes skin elastic and wrinkle free.
Dark coloured berries such as blueberries, blackberries and cranberries also possess anti-ageing components as they are packed with a pigment called anthocyanins that slow down the effects of ageing and protect our body from a host of age related degenerative diseases.
Olives and avocados are hailed as popular anti-ageing fruits as they are power packed with omega fats which have anti-ageing effects.
Green Vegetables
Green vegetables are another food group with remarkable anti-ageing benefits. Veggies such as cabbage, broccoli, spinach and kale have plenty of anti-oxidants and vitamins which help in giving a youthful glow to skin.
Besides being a rich source of fibre, green vegetables are a good source of fibre which is needed for proper digestion. Foods rich in fibre help in eliminating toxins piled up in the body and improve the absorption of nutrients from food.
Nuts and Seeds
All types of nuts and seeds including walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds and sunflower seeds contain vitamin E, magnesium, omega fatty acids and some phytonutrients.
All these compounds have anti-ageing effects on our body. This food group is beneficial for the health of skin. Making it a part of regular diet helps in delaying wrinkles and also helps in maitaining healthy heart and brain function.
Fish
One thing that is attributed to youthful appearance of Japanese women is the high consumption of fish in their diet. Fish is a prime source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These good fats help in restoring youthfulness and vitality in skin by strengthening the cell walls in the skin. Eating fish or other seafood once or twice a week is a good way to keep wrinkles at bay. Taking fish oil supplements is another way to tap into the vast anti-ageing benefits of fish.
Whole Grains
Whole grains such as black beans, garbanzo beans, canellini beans, kidney beans, whole wheat, brown rica and oatmeal have all the nutrients intact. These foods are good source of vitamin B, magnesium and other important nutrients that are needed to slow down the effect of free radicals on skin.
Mushrooms
No other food group contains as much antioxidants than mushrooms. The two main anti-oxidants, ergothionene and glutathione found in most mushrooms have a potential anti-ageing benefits. In some studies, people who had these two antioxidants in their diet, displayed better brain and heart function.
Mushrooms are also a good source of vitamin D which is found in very few foods. This sunshine vitamin is crucial for many important functions in the body and it’s intake can have a positive effect on health. Including shitake, oyester and porcini mushrooms can help in reversing skin ageing and prolong life.
FOODS TO AVOID
Below, you will find which foods to avoid if you want to keep your youthful-looks..
Processed Foods
Processed foods are bad for health and make our skin age faster. These foods have little or zero nutrients. Regular consumption of processed foods is detrimental to health as it makes our body deficient in essential nutrients. The preservative agents used in processed foods have been linked to certain cancers in the body. Hence, its best to stay away from processed foods and switch to fresh foods.
Fried Foods
Limit your intake of fried foods as the sugars and carbohydrates in food get converted into advanced glycation end products which contributes to cell ageing and inflammation in the body.
Occasional snacking is not harmful, but if these foods are consumed on a regular basis, they can accelerate the process of ageing. Another implication associated with fried foods is their zero nutrient value. The high temperature cooking destroys the nutrients in the food.
Simple Carbohydrates
Excess intake of refined foods such as sugar, refined flour and starchy items is closely linked to skin ageing. All these foods get converted into sugars. When there is excess sugar in the body, the sugar molecules impact the functioning of collagen as they bind with collagen fibers in the skin.
This causes them to become weak and results in a decrease in the elasticity of skin. If you want to keep lines and wri kles at bay, cutting away refined foods from your diet will help you achieve the goal.
Gluten
Studies have proved the relation between gluten and ageing. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. The oxidisation of gluten in the body causes the protein fibers to harden which results in sagging of skin. Going gluten free is good for delaying the effects of ageing.
Author Bio: Lisa Hill is a beauty and lifestyle blogger. When she is not blogging, she can be found working with friends on a new makeup routine. She is creative and sees the world with a eye in which there is love for all. Her skin care philosophy is that you won’t have to worry about your skin once you “Stop Worrying” and be happy. Feel free to visit her blog beautynskincare or Connect with her @zealoshill
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