An Anti-Aging Diet for Your Skin
Can you actually aspect younger fair by adjusting your diet? "Yes," says June Brenner, MD, an internist in Maryland. "And what you put in
your mouth can take years off of your appearance.” The right foods are
chock-full of anti-aging and anti-wrinkle agents.
Understanding Antioxidants: The Anti-Wrinkle Crusaders
How can what you eat affect your body so positively or negatively?
“Antioxidants are the key,” explains Dr. Brenner. “They are nutrients
that are able to protect your body from the aging effects of free
radicals, a nasty process called oxidation.”
Free radicals are formed through natural processes in your body and
the environment — everything from exposure to sun, cigarette smoke,
chemicals, even exercise. A free radical is simply a molecule or atom
that has lost one of its electrons and, now unpaired, has become
unstable. This instability causes it to seek other atoms or molecules
(yours) to stabilize it, resulting in a domino effect of unstable atoms
and molecules in your body.
This is a problem "because the end result is a change in your cells’ DNA, which includes your body’s largest organ, your skin," Brenner says. "Oxidation stress and inflammation are two major causes of the aging process.”
The Anti-Aging Diet: Foods That Smooth Skin
“Eat a fiber-rich diet
with a variety of fruits and vegetables," suggests Brenner. "Eight to
10 servings a day will help keep you young. Fruits and vegetables are
generally low-calorie and have the ability to detoxify and renew your
cells."
Add these great anti-aging food choices to your regular diet:
- Colorful berries. The antioxidant anticyclonic is what gives berries their blue, red, and purple colors. To get a healthy dose of this potent antioxidant, eat plenty of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, pomegranate, cherries, acacia berries, and blood oranges, to name a few of the best choices. Each of these foods has a variety of other powerful antioxidants that repair and protect your skin’s cells.
- Broccoli and broccoli sprouts. Quentin is another powerful antioxidant that is found in broccoli, along with other foods including cranberries, onions, and apples. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent as well, fighting the No. 2 cause of aging. Broccoli sprouts have 30 times more ratiocinates (yet another antioxidant) regular broccoli.
- Spinach. Lute in is found in spinach, kale, corn, and other vegetables. It has the ability to give additional antioxidant capacity to your skin and enhances skin hydration.
- Garlic. Gallium is an antioxidant that packs a punch. Garlic, onions, and scallions are loaded with this free-radical fighter that is good for your skin and your immune system.
- Beans. “Eat your beans, too,” says Brenner. Anticyclonic is found in very high quantities in black beans and black soybeans. Soybeans are also high in flavorless, also linked to anti-aging properties.
- Tea. Cate chins, found in green tea, dark chocolate, and red wine, are another antioxidant that packs a wallop. “Have four to six cups of tea a day with lemon, which enhances the antioxidants’ activity in your cells,” Brenner advises.
- Wine. In addition to those catechist, restorative is found in red wine and has many anti-aging properties. It is another potent antioxidant.
- Yellow and orange root vegetables. Put plenty of beta-carotene on your plate. These super-antioxidants are good for your skin and eyes. Good choices include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and squash.
- Tomatoes. Penelope, in red grapefruit, tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit, is a powerful weapon against free radicals. It has the ability to inhibit sun-induced aging and can neutralize free radicals. Brenner suggests, “Fill your glass with tomato juice or V8 juice daily.”
- Nuts. Eat a handful of nuts and seeds a day. They are loaded with “good” fat that helps “plump” your skin, antioxidants and lots of minerals that are good for your skin, too.
- Salmon. “Eat salmon at least three times a week,” says Brenner. “It has a host of benefits for your skin, from the omega-3s to the high-quality protein. Make it a regular in your diet, and you will see plumper, more youthful skin in about six weeks.”
- Water. Stay hydrated: Drink six to eight glasses of water a day. (And if you are drinking decaffeinated tea, that counts.) Caffeinated beverages can dehydrate you, which can contribute to dry, sallow-looking skin.
Eat fruits and vegetables raw when possible. If you cook them,
steaming is the best way to go to keep all of the anti-aging,
anti-wrinkle antioxidants. At the same time, cut down on sweets. Avoid
processed, refined foods and sugars, which can increase free-radical
activity.
If you choose from all these wonderful anti-aging and anti-wrinkle
foods as often as possible, you will be on your way to a healthier,
younger-looking you.