Age is a natural part of life and we can’t stop it, no matter what we might try. But that does not mean we have to compromise with the poor performance of our body functions. Anti-aging foods or super foods as some like to call them are nature’s gifts for healthy running of all major organs well past their prime.
Is it possible to get beautiful glowing skin by eating the right food? Yes, it is. We are what we eat. Anthony Robbins has rightly said that
It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It’s what we do consistently
That means don’t expect change overnight.
You need to be consistent to beat the aging marks and wrinkles and get your younger skin back. Research has proven that a nutritious diet packed with healthy fats, water, vitamins and antioxidants is a tremendous help in prolonging youthful skin appearance.
Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods to Keep you Looking Young
Are you looking for the best anti-aging foods? Here is a curated list to include in your daily diet.
Green tea (Top pick for best anti-aging food)
Green tea comes with an excellent ratio of antioxidants that helps fight the free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the unstable molecules created when a body is exposed to stressors, including UV light, smoke, etc. If they are present at a high level in the body, they can damage your cells. The antioxidants help to stabilize them. We get antioxidants from our diet, and green tea is one of the major sources. It is one of the top anti-aging foods. If you are a tea connoisseur like me, you might also enjoy a monthly tea subscription box to treat your taste buds. Green tea also provides our body with:
- Polyphenols
- Catechins
- Gallic acid
- Epigallocatechin gallate
Polyphenols work to reduce skin aging, and that’s why green tea extract is present in different anti-aging products.
Watercress
This is another unique item in our list of anti-aging foods whose health benefits never disappoint you. It works as an antiseptic for internal skin and boosts the circulation and delivery of minerals to each cell of the body. In this way, the oxygenation of the skin increases. It contains vitamin A & C that fights wrinkles and fine lines. This leafy green veggie is one of the best anti ageing foods containing:
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Manganese
- Vitamin A, K, C, B-1 & B-2
- Phosphorus
Make sure to add a handful of this leafy green veggie to your salads to get glowing skin.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
It is one of the incredible anti-aging foods and the healthiest oil present on Earth. This oil comes with a tremendous amount of antioxidants and healthy fats. It works to minimize oxidative damage and reduce inflammation due to the free radicals in the body. You can use this oil in salads or as a dip with any of your favorite food. It contains:
- Monosaturated fats
- Tocopherols
- Beta carotene
- Phenolic compounds
According to a study in 2012, people who eat a diet with olive oil have a lower risk of anti-aging due to the anti-inflammatory properties of antioxidants and MUFAs.
Red Bell Pepper
The next item in our list of anti-aging foods is Red bell pepper, which is highly packed with antioxidants that work perfectly to stop aging. It also helps in collagen production due to the presence of vitamin C. This veggie has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, and it keeps you safe from sun damage. It contains:
- Carotenoids
- Vitamin C
You can use this red bell pepper in your salads or stir fry them as you like.
Papaya
This is another delicious anti-aging food rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It helps improve skin elasticity and minimizes wrinkles and fine lines. The great number of antioxidants present in papaya fights free radicals and delays aging signs. It has:
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Vitamins A, C, E & K
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- B vitamins
You can shed the dead cells and get glowing skin by eating papaya.
Flax Seeds
You might have heard people incorporating flax seeds in most of their foods. This is because it is one of the best anti-aging foods and comes with great health benefits. It plays a great role in saving you from breast cancer and other heart diseases. The flax seeds hydrate your skin and make your skin membrane healthy. It comes with:
- Lignans
- Omega 3-fatty acid
According to research conducted in 2009 and 2011, the women who eat flax seeds or incorporate flax oil in their food have hydrated and smoother skin.
Nuts (Editors pick for best anti-aging food)
By adding nuts to your daily life, you can beat aging. Most nuts like almonds contain Vitamin E that works to regain the skin moisture, protect it from UV rays, and repair the skin tissues. Moreover, walnuts come with Omega 3 that has anti-inflammatory properties. Store them in boxes to eat daily. The nuts have:
- Vitamin E
- Omega 3
Use them as a snack or add them to your salad. It is undoubtedly one of the amazing anti-aging foods one can eat without hassle.
Fortified Plant Based Milk
Are you looking for non-diary milk that keeps you young and active? This is the best option for you. It is equipped with excellent bone-support nutrients and suitable for the ones who’re purely vegetarian. They are low in fat and rich in vitamins so you can use it in your diet to stay healthy and fresh. It has:
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
You can use them in shakes or in the coffee or tea. A research shows that, this is a great alternative to dairy milk and has multiple health benefits.
Dark Chocolate
If you’re looking for a snack that has anti-aging benefits then switch to dark chocolate. It comes with the high end flavanols that works to increase the blood flow to the skin. Flavanols are also famous in absorbing UV radiation that protects skin from damage from exposure to sun. A study has already proven that use of dark chocolate help people fight diabetes and protect your skin from anti-aging effects. The dark chocolate contains:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
You can incorporate it in your daily life to see the visible effects.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a comfort food which is not only rich in vitamins but also delicious. It boosts the performance of serotonin that makes you feel good all the time. What else could be better than feeling loved and happy all the time. Furthermore, a study shows that oatmeal helps to fight different diseases one experiences during old age. It contains:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamin B6
- Magnesium
You can add it in your breakfast to stay active and healthy all the day.
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Other Activities To Help You Stay Young, Healthy and Beautiful
Anti-aging foods are only one part of the equation. For a true transformation consider adopting these practices in your daily life.
1. Smile
Different studies have proved that when you smile endorphins are released that make you feel happier and positive towards life. Furthermore, they also helps in reduction of wrinkles and fine lines on the face as when you smile all the muscles on your face get used which prevents sagging.
2. Practice mindfulness
There are many health benefits of practicing mindfulness, some of them include:
- Improve sleep
- Relieve stress
- Low blood pressure
- Reduce chronic pain
- Boost mental health
3. Exercise
Proper exercise will give more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles which will boost your cardiovascular activity and keeps you fit even in old age. With the right exercise you can remove your double chin quickly too.
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