How do you stop the aging process? I wish I had that answer… BUT I do know a few secrets on how to slow the process down! In today’s world, we always hear about new ways to look young and beautiful, most of them involving surgeries or even injections! What if there were an easier way?
The Science of Skin Aging
First of all, two words are commonly associated with aging are collagen and elastin. These are proteins that keep the skin firm and can be found in a fiber network underlying our skin. Whenever skin is stretched, the protein matrix tugs it back in position. As time goes on and we increase in age, the fiber meshwork weakens, causing the skin to sag and as the body ages, skin becomes thin and loses its elasticity. The genetic code of some people make them look older or even younger than others, but there is also another major cause of skin aging, and that is sun damage. Skin changes associated with aging cannot be avoided, but they can be reduced and slowed by taking the proper measures!
Must Try Anti-Aging Foods
Some surgical methods may help you look younger than your age, but none of them are as affordable and effective as leading a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. In fact, eating the right foods can make you look younger and feel fantastic. Here are my top 10 Anti-aging food recommendations:
1.Water
Drinking water is the best way to reduce wrinkles. It helps digestion, absorption, nutrient transportation and elimination of the wastes. Furthermore, it detoxifies the body and helps improve skin’s turgidity.
2. Oatmeal
Leading dermatologists recommend complex carbohydrates such as oats. Oats are low-glycemic and do not spike blood sugar. There is a natural chemical in oats that reduces skin damage, prevents acne, wrinkles, and soothes any skin irritation.
3. Nuts
Nuts, particularly almonds, contain anti-aging fats, minerals, and vitamins. They are also known for suppressing cravings. Did you know that only twelve RAW almonds daily all most of us need?
4. Cacao
It has been found that cocoa has high levels flavanols – epicatechin and catechin. These will protect you from sun damage, enhance hydration and improve circulation to skin cells. Cacao also makes skin look and feel smoother.
5. Green Tea
Green tea can detoxify your body! It can slow down wrinkles and also help avoid dark circles under your eyes. Green tea contains flavonoids which have anti-carcinogenic, anti-oxidant, and enzyme-altering properties. The tea serves as an antibiotic and increases immunity to fight minor ailments.
6. Sprouts
Sprouts are just what they sound like; the baby stage of our beans and legumes. Since they are brand new, they are packed with amazing anti-aging enzymes.
7. Berries
Raspberry and cherry have anthocyanins which are water soluble pigments that can protect us from several aging agents. In addition to its anti-aging properties, anthocyanins can enhance vision and improve blood circulation.
8. Vegetables
Green is king when it comes to vegetables and anti-aging foods. Chlorophyll that makes plants green balances out acidic conditions in our body which is the cause for many health issues. Go green or go home!!!
9. Oranges
Oranges have a ton of water content and help hydrate your skin cells. This is one of the most liked anti-aging foods because it is a source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps create collagen, which helps keep skin supple.
10. Avocados
Avocado has numerous health benefits. It has mono-unsaturated fat content which contributes to keeping skin hydrated. The fat also helps absorb certain vitamins and nutrients skin.
Food You Must Avoid to Maintain a Healthy Skin
There are a wide variety of anti-aging foods, but there are also some things you must avoid to maintain healthy glowing skin. Below is a list of items you should consume in moderation, if not eliminate from your diet.
Dairy
According to research, milk and other dairy products can be linked with increased signs of aging and wrinkles. So, it is best to avoid the consistent use of dairy items.
Alcohol
It is true that drinking in moderation is good for the heart. However, heavy drinking can speed up your skin’s aging process significantly. The recommendation is no more than one drink per day for women and not more than two for men. As for me, I save my glass of wine (or maybe champagne) to weekends and special occasions as opposed to daily.
Deep Fried Food Items
Anything that is deep-fried, such as potato chips and french fries, can cause inflammation. You should definitely avoid trans fats. With an increased risk of heart disease, trans fats can increase LDL and lower the HDL (good cholesterol).
Sugary Items
Sugary food like donuts and pastries are associated with the development of wrinkles. By cutting out sugar from the diet, you can enjoy some more years of wrinkle free skin.
Other Tips to Help Maintain Healthy Skin
A healthy diet is, without a doubt, the most effective way to maintain great skin but a good lifestyle is also essential.
Don’t Over Do It!
Dermatologists from around the world suggest that you should not over wash your face. Tap water can remove skin’s natural oils and the moisture that provides protection against wrinkles. If you wash your face too often, you will neglect the skin from that protection. If your soap does not contain a moisturizing formula, it is best to use a cleanser.
A fruit facial is another home remedy that can help maintain great glowing skin. You can make your own DIY fruit mask at home using fruits of your choice. For instance, papaya contains papain, which is an enzyme that can exfoliate dry skin and lower melanin accumulation. Rub a slice of strawberry on your face, which contains Vitamin A and beta-carotene, both of which assist collagen regeneration.
And As Always, Exercise!
The value of exercise is known to all. Doctors agree that walking is the best remedy to aging. A brisk power walk can enhance blood circulation and make skin glow. As a result, exercise keeps the heart healthy and strengthens the nervous system. Walking can cleanse the lymph fluids and augment immunity. Also, the physical signs of aging are delayed by walking.
Laugh Off Stress
One of the biggest causes of skin aging is stress. It can be related to serious health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and skin inflammation. Stress can suppress the immune system and thus increase chances of illness and disease.
An excellent anti-aging remedy is lots of laughter! When you laugh, your body releases endorphins and other health enhancing hormones. If you can eliminate stress, you can get rid of stress lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the stress hormone cortisol levels drop with laughter.
Start Early and Stay Young
Aging is a natural process, but with the anti-aging foods and tips, you can maintain a youthful appearance. Many factors boost the skin aging process, and some of them are beyond our control. However, you can easily keep some aging signs away by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The sooner you begin, the better it is!!! I swear by my secret anti-aging shake, I have never felt better, as usually, being consistent with all these tips is key! For more advice on how to beat the aging process, as always, comment below or click here!
