Ageing is a process we cannot stop, yes there are ways of looking younger through surgery, fillers, botox etc but it all costs money and can be invasive, plus things can, and do, go wrong. So how great is it that there are certain foods you can eat that will help you look younger.
Foods that will plump, firm, protect and help repair damaged skin. Look more youthful by making changes to your diet, there are people who have amazing skin and look a lot younger than their actual age by eating healthier and ensuring they get the right amount of vitamins and minerals they need and they get these naturally through their foods instead of supplements. I have listed below some of those foods that you can start to add to your diet to help you look younger.
Foods that make you look younger and the reasons why:
1. Guava
High in vitamin C, it has 4 times more Vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C promotes collagen production so in simple terms it helps plump your skin and reduce wrinkles. Have 2 cups per week
2. Wheat Germ
High in zinc and will help in repairing skin, it is also good for wound healing as helps with production of new skin cells – giving you a youthful appearance. It is also an anti inflammatory, have ½ cup per day.
3. Romaine Lettuce
Contains vitamin A which helps renew skin cells leaving your skin revitalised. Romaine lettuce also contains potassium which helps improve blood circulation, improved blood circulation helps remove waste products and bring oxygen to cells leaving your skin looking refreshed. Eat 6 leaves per day.
4. Brazil Nuts
Contains the trace mineral selenium which helps slow down the ageing process. Have 2 brazil nuts per day (don’t exceed 2 per day as there can be negative health effects).
5. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain a natural red pigment called lycopene which is an antioxidant and a natural UV sunscreen so can help protect against sunburn and skin ageing caused by exposure to the sun, don’t skip the sunscreen though. To get higher levels eat the tomatoes cooked or from processed tomatoes, ie paste, ketchup, soup or juice to boost your skin‘s production of collagen. Drink 12 ounces or approx 340ml ( approx the same size as a can of soda) of tomato juice per day.
6. Oily Fish
Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Tuna all contain omega 3 fatty acids which are good for not only your brain but also your skin. One of the main types of fatty acids is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which helps delay the skin’s ageing process and can also help in the skin repair process. Include oily fish in to your diet twice per week.
7. Spinach
Eat spinach for Iron and Vitamin C – spinach helps your body manufacture Sebum from Vitamin C which will give you shiny hair and the Vitamin C will all also help your skin with elasticity and tone. Iron is very important in your diet – it carries oxygen to your blood cells and has many benefits including muscle and brain function.
8. Kiwis
High in Vitamin E which helps guard your skin from collagen damage caused by the sun’s uv rays as well a vitamin C which helps produce skin firming collagen
9. Oysters
High in protein, calcium, zinc, selenium, iron and vitamin A. It is good for the skin renewal process due to the vitamins and minerals stimulating collagen production.
10. Butternut Squash
Eating butternut squash will help with hair growth due to the Beta Carotene. Beta Carotene can also reduce the risk of sunburn but this does not mean you can go without sunscreen. Our bodies convert beta carotene as well as other carotenoids into Vitamin A.
12. Almonds
Almonds are rich in Vitamin E and have been known as being good for both complexion and digestive system. Almonds can be eaten as nuts, or by drinking almond milk, you can even use almond oil on your skin. Eat, drink or use almonds to help protect and repair your skin.
13. Sunflower Seeds
Have a handful of sunflower seeds daily to look younger, these seeds are high in selenium which helps stimulate the regeneration of young skin cells.
14. Cucumber
Cucumbers contain the antioxidants vitamin K and vitamin C as well as minerals such as silica, potassium and magnesium. Silica helps improve the complexion and radiance of your skin. The high water content in cucumbers will also help you stay hydrated.
15. Avocadoes
High in antioxidants and a good source of good fats, but in terms of making you look more youthful these green fruits are high in vitamin E (which is an antioxidant) and neutralise the oxidant affect of free radicals, so they help prevent damage to your skin cells. Vitamin E cannot be produced by your body so make sure you eat foods daily that contain Vitamin E to allow your body to fight off the damage that is caused by free radicals attacking your skin cells.
16. Water
When you are properly hydrated your skin will look better. Water helps, amongst other things, regulate your temperature, flush toxins out of your body, lubricates your joints, it helps carry nutrients to your cells the list goes on. By drinking water your skin will look more radiant, your eyes will be clearer and brighter. Drink at least 2 litres per day – The amount of water you should drink will depend on different factors such as the weather, your level of activity etc.
17. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranates were used in ancient times for both medical and health purposes. They are high in nutrients and minerals that help fight the signs of ageing by promoting rapid cell regeneration and rejuvenation and can also help keep skin clear by helping with digestive disorders.
18. Green Tea
A great source of antioxidants and is well known for being good for your body and good for your skin. It is naturally rich in antioxidants which can counteract the effect of oxidant radicals. According to a study published in the Archives of Dermatology – Catechins (which are found in green tea) have also been shown to function as anti inflammatory agents so can help against skin inflammation . Drink a cup a day to help keep your skin looking younger and fight off the accelerated ageing process caused by free radicals.
19. Beetroot
Is also known as being a super food and has many benefits but in terms of looking younger beetroot has antioxidants (including flavonoids and carotenoids) which help fight and destroy free radicals in the body, meaning they will be helping to fight premature aging. It also contains silica which helps the body to utilise calcium helping strengthen bones, hair and skin.
20. Lemons
Aid digestion and clears toxins helping your skin to stay clearer and brighter. An easy way to consume is to add a slice to your water.
And not something to add to your diet but something to eliminate from your diet.
Cut out sugar…I am talking about the added kind, not the natural kind you find in fruit, by cutting out sugar you skin will start to show the changes very quickly, you will be amazed at the difference but I will cover this in another article that will look at which foods you should be avoiding and why.
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