Eat For Anti-Aging
We all know there’s no fountain of youth from which to drink. But that doesn’t mean you can’t drink or eat for anti-aging.
There are certainly foods that help to slow down the signs of aging more than others. And there are those that actually accelerate those signs.
If your diet consists of a lot of junk food (i.e. mostly salt, sugar, and fat), you’re not doing yourself any favors. But don’t worry. A lot of healthy foods are pretty decent in the flavor department. And you can always find ways to sneak them into your diet.
What You Should Eat for Anti-Aging Benefits
When you eat well, not only will you slow down the signs of aging, but you’re also treating your body with respect. In turn, your body will reward you by performing at its optimal level.
In other words, you’ll feel better too. As you begin to shift to a more healthy diet, try to choose fruits and veggies that are deep in color. And fear not. There might even be a few items on our list that’ll surprise and delight you.
- Blueberries
Blueberries are portable, versatile, and delicious. You can throw them in a smoothie or toss them on your cereal.
They’re also loaded with a free radical-fighting antioxidant called anthocyanin. It’s what makes the blueberry blue. Plus, with plenty of vitamins A and C, the blueberry is kind of a fruit superhero.
By managing the inflammatory responses in the body, the antioxidant in blueberries goes the distance in protecting the skin from damage and preventing loss of collagen.
- Salmon/Tuna/Sardines
If you’re not a fan of fish, you may want to try to cultivate a taste for it. Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, and sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that are great for your heart and your skin.
Like antioxidants, omega-3s quell inflammation. This is especially helpful for calming the skin after sun exposure. Omega-3s are almost like a natural sunblock – except they won’t actually protect you from getting burned. So keep the SPF lotion handy.
- Broccoli
Say what you want about broccoli, but there’s no denying that this veggie is a powerhouse. Along with the aforementioned antioxidants and vitamin C (which is needed to boost collagen production), broccoli also contains folate, calcium, lutein, and fiber.
No, you probably won’t want to sneak it into a smoothie. Unless you have very strange taste. But you can toss it in soup or throw some raw broccoli into a salad. Your body will thank you.
- Beans and Legumes
Beans, beans. Nature’s fruit. (You know the rest.)
But third-grade humor aside, beans and legumes are two of the best things you can eat to reduce the risk of major diseases while promoting good health. They’re loaded with phytonutrients, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are prevalent in the Mediterranean diet.
If you’re not into sitting down with a bowl of lima beans, that’s okay. Beans and legumes are so versatile they can be added to soups or salads, transformed into wheat-free pastas, or mashed with herbs and spices to make amazing dips.
Plus, they’re abundant and inexpensive.
- Red Bell Pepper
Like blueberries, red bell peppers are also packed with collagen-producing vitamin C. Their antioxidants are known as carotenoids and they’re responsible for the bright red, orange, or yellow colors in a variety of veggies and fruits. Carotenoids are also loaded with antioxidants that offer anti-inflammatory properties to help protect the skin from pollution, sun damage, and environmental toxins.
- Green and/or Black Tea
If you’re an American, you’re more than likely all about coffee. And coffee DOES have some anti-aging properties. But you’ll get more anti-aging bang for your buck with green and/or black tea. That’s why throughout much of the world, tea takes the top spot for beverages. It falls second worldwide only to water.
Not only does tea hydrate, but it’s full of antioxidants and phytochemicals such as flavonoids, catechins, and theanine. You don’t need to remember any of these names. Just know that they serve to promote heart health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and fat absorption. All of these lend to looking and feeling younger.
- Dark Chocolate
Finally. Something you can really sink your teeth into.
Another antioxidant-rich food, dark chocolate also boasts high levels of magnesium which fights inflammation. In addition, it can reduce stress and improve quality of sleep.
But don’t get too excited. Chocolate should be eaten in moderation. And be sure whatever chocolate you choose, there is not much sugar. Sugar causes inflammation and can undo all of chocolate’s benefits. (Nobody said life was fair.)
Slow Down the Signs of Aging
If your skin and body are just beginning to show signs of aging, you can eat for anti-aging to slow down the progression. But food with anti-aging properties can’t do much for skin that’s already experienced serious damage over the years.
In that case, you’ll want to look into dermal fillers, Botox, or certain lift procedures to restore that youthful appearance. Contact us today for a free consultation to speak with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
And in the meantime, continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet to look and feel your best.
