Eat This, Look Younger
What you put inside your body is just as important as what you put on the outside. Sunscreen and creams are useful, but so are the teas, snacks, and desserts you indulge in. Lots of these foods are easily accessible and can be incorporated into simple and complex diets. So, with that in mind, here are 20 foods you should start eating now to look and stay younger for as long as possible.
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended in all sorts of diets and is also a pivotal part of the Blue Zones diets, which are areas where people often live up to 100 years old. This adds up, as this oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. You can try it drizzled over some Mediterranean salads or use it as a base for pesto and salad dressings.
2. Pomegranates
When it comes to fruits, pomegranates are especially delicious and a bit inaccessible. But if you can get through that shell and put up with peeling them for a while, then you’ll be thoroughly rewarded. They’re full of antioxidants like vitamin C and help promote collagen production, which in turn improves skin firmness. Pre-peel your pomegranates and then just sprinkle them over some salads or on your yogurt.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is the perfect companion drink for your busy days. It’s loaded with antioxidants called catechins, which are known to improve elasticity in the skin. Green tea has been linked with everything from supporting the metabolism, improving brain health and lowering cognitive decline as you age.
4. Tofu
Tofu is a plant-based source of protein that works great in stir-fries or even grilled as a steak substitute. It’s loaded with isoflavones, which mimic estrogen and promote skin thickness and moisture. It’s also known to support bone health, which is great for aging bodies.
5. Salmon
Fatty fish are another staple of an anti-aging diet, and salmon probably stands out as the best pick. It has a load of perks and is known to reduce inflammation, support skin hydration, and promote brain function. This is because of the omega-3 fatty acids within the fish, which is why you’ll want to get some in when dinner time comes around.
6. Water
While water isn’t a food, it’s a necessity when it comes to flushing out toxins from your body. Nothing ages quite like dehydration, which is why it’s recommended that you drink numerous glasses of water daily. Staying hydrated is known to improve everything from digestion and energy, and will make you feel and look younger.
7. Dark Chocolate
When it comes time for dessert, you’ll want to grab some dark chocolate. As long as it’s 70% or higher, you’ll benefit from antioxidants called flavonoids. These flavonoids are known to boost hydration and skin density, as well as enhance blood flow. So, if you’re looking for a daily sweet treat, this is the one for you.
8. Juices
Juicing can have numerous benefits, especially if you make it up fresh with fruits and veggies on hand. Lots of people report glowing skin from juicing regimens, which adds up since these drinks are full of vitamin A, C, and antioxidants that detoxify the body and hydrate skin.
9. Blueberries
Another light snack you’ll want to incorporate into your diet is blueberries. They work in everything from cereal to yogurt toppings. The benefit of blueberries is that they’re loaded with anthocyanins, which promote skin elasticity and support brain health. They also have vitamin C and K, which help with collagen formation.
10. Pumpkins
When autumn rolls around, pumpkins are a food that is on everyone’s mind. You can make everything from a creamy pumpkin pie to a lightly spiced dip. Either way, pumpkins are rich in beta-carotenes, which are vital for skin repair and cell turnover.
11. Mint
If you want to incorporate two anti-aging foods, then consider throwing some mint into your green tea. Mint is full of anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe skin and have a cooling effect on the skin. So, if you’re experiencing some puffiness, mint may help brighten up your complexion.
12. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are another easily accessible snack that you can munch on in-hand, or sprinkle over your yogurt or cereal. Not only are they beneficial for your digestive health, but they also improve skin elasticity and reduce inflammation. That’s because, like fish, they also contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
13. Avocados
Don’t skip out on that avocado toast, and indulge away, as these veggies are very good for you. They’re packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, which are the kind you want to indulge in rather than avoid. Additionally, the collagen inside the avocados helps keep skin plump through collagen production.
14. Purple Potatoes
If you’re looking for a reliable starch to serve as the base of your dish, consider purple potatoes. They’re rich in anthocyanins and fight inflammation in the body. They can also enhance skin tone through blood circulation support. Your best bet would be to roast them, but you could also consider mashed potatoes.
15. Red Bell Peppers
You’ll want the red ones in particular, as they’re loaded with vitamin C. This vitamin is crucial for skin repair and collagen production and can even help maintain firmness and glow. Consider slicing them up raw and having them as a dip-friendly salad, or just grill them up in your next sandwich.
16. Kale
You’ve probably heard about how kale’s a superfood. Well, consider this your next sign to start incorporating kale into your diet. It’s full of all sorts of vitamins, as well as antioxidants like lutein. This allows kale to act as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduce redness and puffiness in the skin. Consider blending it up into your next smoothie or having it as a salad base.
17. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another powerful vegetable when it comes to maintaining skin firmness and supporting collagen synthesis. Tomatoes are especially rich in lycopene, which is crucial for skin repair. So be sure to use some fresh tomatoes in your next salad or sandwich.
18. Eggs
Breakfast has never been so simple, especially when eggs are a great way to support your skin and hair health. They’re rich in biotin and lutein, which help repair tissues. So, whether you prefer them scrambled, baked, or prepared sunny-side-up, you’ll want to be eating some eggs.
19. Sweet Potatoes
The sweet potato is another starchy vegetable you can rely on for benefits without the downsides. They’re rich in beta-carotene, which supports collagen health and promotes skin cell turnover. You can roast them as wedges or even make over-baked French fries.
20. Watermelon
Watermelon is mostly just water, so this is a fun and flavorful way to get that oh-so-important component into your body. This fruit is evidently excellent for hydration, promotes collagen production, and protects the skin from oxidative stress. For some extra fun, consider making up some watermelon popsicles!
KEEP ON READING
20 Anti-Aging Foods That Make You Younger Naturally
