With the millions of dollars spent on skin creams, cosmetic
procedures and natural supplements each year in the name of eternal youth, food
is an important yet often overlooked factor in maintaining younger looking skin
and hair. Health and beauty professionals agree that no matter what you do to
the outside of the body, adopting a diet rich in anti-aging food and drink can
help you maximize your skin care regime and improve your well-being from head to
toe. So before you spend your hard-earned cash on the next breakthrough
treatment, first ask yourself if you follow an anti-aging diet. Read below to
find out if your anti-oxidant intake makes the grade:
Berries
Berries are a superfruit when it comes to anti-aging,
especially the following types:
Prunes - Dried prunes have the highest Oxygen Radical
Absorbance Capacity of plant foods, making it the fruit with the highest
antioxidant content- therefore the must have item in an anti-aging diet. Their
high potassium content maintains healthy blood, muscles and a high level of
friendly bacteria in the body.
Açai Berries - The Açai is a potent Brazilian berry filled
with antioxidants and renowned for its positive impact on the skin, in
addition to improved energy, sexual performance and digestion as well as the
reduction of cholesterol levels. Can be taken in solid or juice form and is
delicious!
Goji Berries - The Himalayan superfood is packed with
antioxidants that fight cancer, sun damage and a low libido amongst other
things. Also hailed as a cellulite buster, these tiny berries are loaded with
beta-carotene, iron and vitamin C.
Blueberries - A more common berry but nonetheless a
superfood, blueberries are loaded with anti-inflammatories that delay aging of
the skin and body, while its high manganese content builds a healthy heart and
bones.
Green Tea
It’s time to ditch the caffeine-laden coffee and tea in favor
of decaf green tea. Yes, it sounds boring, but in reality green tea is a
cellulite-busting, free-radical fighting wonder drink that also aids in weight
loss, younger looking skin, and increased metabolism. It can also be applied
externally to the face (cooled of course!) as a toner to give dull skin an
instant boost.
Vegetables
We are aware of the benefits that leafy green vegetables
(kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts) have on the skin, but there are many others
that should be included in an anti-aging diet. Turnips, cauliflower, radishes,
alfalfa and watercress should be incorporated as much as possible to reap the
benefits from their cancer-fighting, free-radical diminishing properties.
Nuts
Full of protein, iron, potassium, zinc and magnesium, nuts
provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals needed to produce shiny
hair, supple skin and also fight cancer-causing free radicals. They are high in
fat, but eaten in moderation they give a great boost to the body’s anti-aging
process.
Oily Fish
Mackerel, sardines and salmon are excellent sources of omega
3 fatty acids and vitamin A and D which aid in producing glowing, taut skin.
Fish do contain pollutants and mercury however, so it is only recommended to
consume around 2 servings per week (1 serving of fresh shark, marlin or
swordfish).
Water
The best drink you can incorporate for an anti-aging diet is
pure water. There is no doubt that younger looking skin accompanies proper
hydration, so ensure to drink at least 8 glasses a day to flush out toxins and
keep skin looking fresh.
There are many other foods that can positively aid the
anti-aging process in addition to the ones mentioned above. The most important
thing to remember is to cut out the junk food and approach eating as a way to
help you on the road to younger looking skin and a general sense of well-being.
