ANTI-AGING FOODS FOR YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN
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| ANTI-AGING FOODS FOR YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN |
Short of turning back the hands of time, it is nearly impossible to reverse the effect it has had on your skin. And until we find that mythical Fountain of Youth, we are mere servants to nature’s fury. Okay, that might be a little dramatic, but I just noticed a fine line around my mouth, and girl, I JUST CAN’T. I found myself, at 25, wondering about my lifestyle choices. How early does one start an anti-aging ritual? What are the steps and procedures I must follow?As beauty editors, we’re always on the lookout for the newest beauty fad, but as a woman in her 20s, going after every new anti-aging gimmick is not sustainable and let’s face it, not pocket friendly either! So, after much research (about 96 articles) I have arrived at this final conclusion: I must feed my body all the good anti-aging foods naturally, to slow down, if not evade, this elusive aging process. Stronger nails, shinier hair, sturdier bones, better blood circulation and a slimmer figure are just added benefits of following an ant-aging diet.
Here are the top 10 anti-aging foods for skin that I swear by
1. EVERYDAY BLUES: BLUEBERRIES
These little berries pack a big punch of antioxidants, which help slow down the aging process. Filled with Vitamin C, this low calorie fruit is the closest you’re going to get to the magic elixir. Fighting off free radicals, blueberries are slightly heavy on the pockets, but trust us, it is one of the best anti-aging foods for your skin. Alternatively, you can get your daily surge of Vitamin C with these capsules.
2. POM-POM POWER: POMEGRANATE
Pomegranate seeds are fortified with the goodness of ellagic acid. And ladies, this one’s EVERYTHING. The reason ellagic acid is so vital in anti-aging diet is because it helps in the production of collagen. Collagen preserves the elasticity of the skin, making it supple and youthful. Also, a powerhouse of Vitamin C, add these little rubies to your list of the best anti-aging foods.
3. IN LOVE WITH THE COCOA: DARK CHOCOLATE
This divine food does more than lift your spirits. It also falls in the category of foods that reverse aging effectively. Containing flavonoids, dark chocolate helps increase blood flow, which in turn boosts the ability of the body to carry nutrients to the skin. But, be sure to practice moderation when it comes to consuming dark chocolate, because of its high calorific repercussions.
4. OH-MEGA 3: WALNUTS
Walnuts are a warehouse of Omega-3 fatty acids. Here’s why you need them. Think back to those days in your biology laboratory. Remember that experiment you did - you immersed shriveled raisins into water and over time they became plump and firm. Likewise, your cells are like raisins and the water is akin to Omega-3 fatty acids. You need them fortify the walls of your cells to return their bouncy nature. With these capsules, you can make them part of your anti-aging diet.
5. GO BANANAS: BANANA
The placard-bearer for potassium-rich foods, bananas are MAJOR. Loaded with magnesium and other heart-healthy nutrients, bananas are among the best anti-aging fruits. They hydrate the cells, which have a firming effect on them, and ultimately on your skin too. In our daily food, we tend to consume a lot of salt which pulls water away from them, and bananas restore that water content. If you don’t like the taste of bananas (like I don’t), you can add potassium directly to your daily intake with these capsules.
6. FLEX IT UP: FLAX SEEDS
Add these flaxible seeds to your diet, because they’re brimming with the many benefits of anti-aging foods. Not only can you use them in several beauty and hair related DIYs, but since they contain lignans, a type of phytoestrogen. As we grow older, our body’s ability to produce oestrogen deteriorates, which is a tell-tale sign of aging. These phytoestrogens are vital in restoring that youthfulness back to your visage. Fortify your bones too with these pills, full of flax benefits.
7. SALL-GOOD: SALMON
Choc-a-block full of essential amino acids, salmon is another food, which can reverse that dreaded aging process. Amino acids are the building blocks of collagen and elastin, which as we know are what that perky skin NEEDS. If you want skin that bounces back (pun intended) after years of wear and tear, make sure you incorporate amino acids into your diet.
8. GET AWESOME: AVOCADOS
Avo got to say Avocado doesn’t only taste delicious but is also among the best anti-aging fruits. The oleic acid in them reduces helps in reducing inflammation, reduces redness and fights wrinkles. We treat ourselves to an Avocado mask once in a while and the results are truly mind-blowing! All you have to do is mash some avocados, mix them in coconut oil and keep the mask on for 30 minutes.Nykaa Recommends:
9. KEEP YOUR ZEST ON: LEMONS
If we had a nickel for every time someone recommended lemons for any skin problem, we would be millionaires. Since it is a great source of Vitamin C, lemon protects your skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also contains flavonoids that are great for your skin. And, there are many many ways in which you can consume lemon - make a lemon juice, lemon tart, add it as a garnish to your cakes and also, to your breakfast bowl.
10. REFRESHING TO THE T: WATERMELON
If watermelon isn’t your favorite summer fruit, do you even like fruits? Apart from being juicy and absolutely delish, the fruit is rich in vitamins C, E, K, potassium, protein and calcium. And, that’s what makes it a wonder fruit for your skin - it prevents premature aging. You can mix it in a fruit salad or sprinkle some pepper on top of the chunks and have it.
FAQs:
Q. Are there any foods that cause wrinkles?
A. You will be surprised to know that there are plenty of foods that cause wrinkles. Almost anything and everything that contains a lot of sugar doesn’t qualify as anti-wrinkle foods. Even processed meats, fatty foods and alcohol can result in wrinkles all over your face. Ditch those doughnuts, hot dogs and sadly, your favorite pepperoni pizza.
Q. What type of cooking oil should I use in my anti-aging diet?
A. When it comes to an anti-aging diet, steer clear of vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, soy oil and corn oil - they have bad Omega -3/-6 ratio that can a dangerous effect your skin. Instead, choose oils that are high in monounsaturated fatty acids such as extra virgin olive oil, macadamia nut oil and coconut oil. These oils are rich in antioxidants and boast of anti-inflammatory properties.
Q. I have heard that there are many beneficial anti-aging herbs that you can incorporate in your diet too. Is that true?
A. Oh yes! There are plenty of herbs that prevent aging - basil, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, clove, thyme and oregano to name a few. All these herbs work against wrinkles, provide UV protection and improve your skin’s collagen levels. Their refreshing taste is only an added benefit.
Q. What should I drink when I am following an anti-aging diet? Is alcohol allowed?
A. You should limit your alcohol consumption to a minimum, especially when your diet includes only anti-aging foods. But, don’t be disheartened. You don’t have to avoid drinks completely. There are several other anti-aging drinks available for your consumption - green tea, beetroot juice, carrot juice and coffee.
Q. Most food diets require you to skip breakfast completely. Do I have to do the same when I am on an anti-aging diet too?
A. Anti-aging diet is unlike any other fad diets - it doesn’t require you to skip breakfast. Eggs, blueberries, oatmeal and green tea are examples of some of the best natural anti-aging foods that you can include in your breakfast. Apart from slowing down your aging process, these foods will also boost your energy levels.
Q. To be honest, my diet is quite healthy. I consume all types of fruits and vegetables. But, are there any specific anti-aging vegetables that you would recommend?
A. There is no dearth of anti-aging vegetables that you can incorporate into your diet. But, some of the most recommended ones are Kale, Eggplant, Tomato and Brussels Sprouts. Of course, these slow down the aging process but we aren’t lying when we say that their consumption will even be beneficial for your body. The antioxidants in them will prevent wrinkles and also kill the growth of any harmful, cancerous cells.
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