Mitigate the signs of aging with these 7 amazing anti-aging superfoods full of nutrients your skin will love.
When it comes to aging, there’s no magic formula to reverse Mother Nature’s doing.
However, there are a lot of things you can do to mitigate the effects including adding these antioxidant-rich foods to your diet.
Heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and rheumatic pains — these are some of the most common danger zones of advancing age.
As time goes by, the body becomes more susceptible to cell damage, which can lead to some uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous conditions.
Cell damage is mostly caused by the effects of free radicals on the body.
Free radicals are oxygen molecules made unstable through a culmination of various environmental and time-related factors.
These factors include things like stress, bad nutrition, alcoholism, etc. Sick cells pillage healthy ones in a bid to balance their electron count.
However, this process causes a knock-on effect where a new cell is made unbalanced and forced to attack a healthy one, leading to the creation of more free radicals.
Antioxidants Combat Free Radicals
Antioxidants reverse the effects of free radicals by providing them with the electrons they seek.
Although the body is capable of making its own antioxidants, studies indicate that the levels naturally occurring in certain foods are just as (if not more) effective.
Three of the most potent antioxidants are beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, all of which are particularly effective against cancer and heart disease.
Foods That Make You Look Younger
1. For Wrinkles, Try Avocados
This creamy yellow fruit is packed with monosaturated fat – a healthy fat that food doctors believe may help lower high cholesterol levels.
A monosaturated fat is also necessary for the body to absorb the natural vitamin E content found in avocados.
Those who use vitamin E face creams will already know that this vitamin plays a vital part in maintaining healthy, supple skin and keeping wrinkles at bay.
Top off dishes with a few slices of avocado or smash an avocado and spread over toast for breakfast.
Don’t leave out the popular guacamole.
2. Blueberries Fight Forgetfulness
Blueberries score highly as age-fighting foods for their antioxidant count.
Their rich color comes from anthocyanins, which are believed to combat cell damage caused by the combined forces of aging and free radicals.
A daily bowl of blueberries for breakfast will protect against dementia and forgetfulness.
It will also protect against other age-related complaints such as heart disease, poor vision, and age-related loss of balance and co-ordination.
3. Cherries are Rich in Anthocyanin
These tart and tasty fruits contain enough of the antioxidant anthocyanin to rival most foods.
They, therefore, help to tackle a host of age-related discomforts; joint and muscle pain, brittle bones, insomnia, and heart disease.
Include a handful of cherries in your daily or post-workout smoothie every day.
4. Take Ginger for Arthritis Pain
Ginger is a potent root, commonly used in herbal teas for its warming and digestive-aiding potential.
It also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory for the relief of arthritis pain and contains active ingredients that can help to kill cancer cells.
To get the best out of the ginger root, grate some with lemon juice into a cup of hot, black tea.
5. Pomegranate Helps Your Heart
Pomegranate is an ancient symbol of life for a reason.
Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice a day could help protect against cancer, heart disease, and osteoarthritis.
The reason for this is the antioxidant polyphenol, which works to prevent the build-up of arterial plaque.
Pomegranate is also a potent anti-inflammatory, which slows down the age-related deterioration of the cartilage in the joints.
5. Papaya for Skin Elasticity
Papaya is rich in vitamins A, C, K, and E, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Additionally, papaya contains an enzyme known as papain, which acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Including papaya in your diet helps plump skin and promote elasticity. You can also use skincare products that contain papain.
Add papaya to your smoothies or slice and roast with a dash of Celtic salt and cayenne pepper.
6. Spinach for a Healthier Body
Spinach is one of my favorite greens. I love having sautéed spinach and toasted pine nuts with pan-seared salmon.
My recipe for this can be found at Sauteed Spinach with a Delicious Twist.
Spinach is full of plant-based heme iron, lutein, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. The nutrients in spinach encourage collagen production for healthier skin.
When I was dealing with hair loss, spinach was one of the foods I increased in my diet to combat this issue.
Sauté spinach, add a handful to a smoothie or toss in your salads or pasta dishes to get all the benefits.
7. Sweet Potatoes for Skin Cell Renewal
Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.
Vitamin A promotes elasticity and enhances cell renewal and rejuvenation. Another great vegetable in the same category is carrots.
Dice and toss sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, and black pepper and roast for a great side dish or main meal.
Additional antioxidant superfoods you should add to your diet for better and younger-looking skin include:-
- Brocolli
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Watercress
- Cacao
- Tomatoes
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Other kinds of berries
Getting the Balance of Nutrients Right
As a general rule of healthy eating, getting the right balance of nutrients is vital.
While taking supplements may seem like the easiest way to up your daily antioxidant intake, nutritionists warn against overdoing the pill count.
Taking too much of one antioxidant can cause others to shut down.
Eating a good balance of vitamin-rich foods is the simplest and most effective way to combat free radicals.
The levels of antioxidants found in fresh fruit and vegetables are most proportionally suited to the body’s needs.
To summarize – eat your fruits and veggies every day! Your skin will thank you for it.
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