The foods we eat can have a significant impact on our fitness, appearance, well-being, and disease risk as we get older. A variety of nutrients help our bodies age gracefully. It is possible that certain nutrients can help slow the aging process, such as by promoting good skin health.
While certain foods may help you look younger, this isn’t the only factor to consider when trying to age gracefully. As you get older, incorporating more nutrient-dense foods into your diet can help you maintain a healthy body and mind. Try to eat a little bit every day:
• proteins that are good for you
• Wholesome fats
• foods that are rich in antioxidants
Here are 10 foods that are good for your health as you get older.
1. Olive oil that has not been refined
One of the healthiest oils on the planet, extra virgin olive oil, is found in extra virgin olive oil. Helps reduce inflammation and oxidative damage caused by an imbalance of free radicals in the body by containing a high concentration of healthy fats and antioxidants.
People who eat a diet high in olive oil have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases like heart disease, and certain types of cancer. The strong anti-inflammatory properties of MUFAs have been shown to reduce skin aging in some studies.
Antioxidants like tocopherols and beta carotene, as well as phenolic compounds that also have anti-inflammatory properties, are found in extra virgin olive oil.
People who eat a diet high in olive oil’s medium-chain fatty acids (MUFAs) have a lower risk of severe skin aging, a 2012 study found. The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil’s MUFAs and antioxidants are most likely responsible for this effect, according to the authors.
Antioxidants are found in higher concentrations in cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil than in oils extracted in other ways. Make a salad or dip it with it.
SUMMARY
Olive oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which may protect against skin aging and chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
2. Green tea
Antioxidants found in green tea may aid the body’s fight against free radicals.
As a byproduct of normal cell activity, free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the cells. Additionally, they can form in response to environmental stressors, such as UV light or tobacco smoke. If free radicals are present in high concentrations, they can harm your cells.
Antioxidants come into play here. These molecules prevent free radicals from causing harm by stabilizing them. Green tea, for example, is a good source of antioxidants.
Polyphenols, a type of antioxidant found in green tea, are especially potent in this beverage. Gallic acid, an anti-oxidant found in green tea, is particularly abundant in a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
SUMMARY
The antioxidant properties of green tea are well-known. As a result, it may aid in the prevention of free radical damage to the skin caused by pollution or sunlight. However, further investigation is required.
3. Fatty fish
Adding fatty fish to your diet can help keep your skin in tip-top shape. Those with heart disease, inflammation, and a host of other ailments can benefit from its long-chain omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been linked to a strong skin barrier and may help reduce inflammation that damages the skin, according to research.
There are additional benefits to eating salmon, which is a popular type of fatty fish.
A carotenoid antioxidant known as astaxanthin is responsible for salmon’s pink color. The combination of astaxanthin and collagen was used in a study on sun-damaged skin for 12 weeks. As a result, their skin elasticity and hydration significantly improved. At this point, it’s unclear whether the benefits were due to astaxanthin, collagen, or a combination of both.
It’s also important to eat protein to help your body produce collagen and elastin, which salmon and other fatty fish are high in. These two molecules are responsible for the skin’s elasticity, strength, and plumpness. Wound healing can be accelerated by consuming protein.
Finally, selenium is abundant in fish. DNA synthesis and repair are important functions of this antioxidant mineral, and its presence on the skin may lessen the effects of ultraviolet light damage. Psoriasis may be less severe if the body has adequate levels of nutrients.
SUMMARY
Omega-3s, protein, selenium, and astaxanthin, all of which are linked to healthy skin, can be found in fatty fish like salmon.
4. Cocoa or dark chocolate.
Polyphenols, the antioxidants found in dark chocolate, abound in this treat. Flavanols, in particular, have been linked to numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, and cognitive decline. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as flavanols and other flavonoids, may also help to protect the skin from sun damage and slow the aging process.
It has been shown that those who drank a high-flavanol cocoa beverage for 24 weeks experienced a significant reduction in wrinkles on their face compared to those in the control group.
Many other studies have failed to show that dark chocolate improves skin appearance or aging, despite these promising new findings.
Flavanol concentrations rise with increasing cocoa content. As a result, if you’re considering incorporating dark chocolate into your diet, look for bars that contain at least 70 percent cocoa solids and have an l sugar content.
SUMMARY
Flavanols, which are found in dark chocolate, are antioxidants in the human body. More research is needed, but some preliminary findings suggest it may help improve skin health.
5. Vegetables
Vegetables are packed with nutrients and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet. They are rich in antioxidants, which lower the risk of heart disease, cataracts, and some cancers by reducing inflammation in the blood vessels.
Carotenoids, such as beta carotene and lycopene, are abundant in many vegetables. Premature aging of the skin is primarily caused by the sun’s UV rays, which some research suggests may be countered by consuming foods high in carotenoids. Beta carotene is found in a wide variety of foods, including carrots, and pumpkin.
Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, can be found in a wide variety of vegetables, as well. Collagen production necessitates the presence of vitamin C. The skin’s collagen production declines after the age of 25, which is a major cause of wrinkles. Leafy greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli are some of the best sources of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system.
Eating a variety of colorful vegetables is beneficial to your skin and overall health because each color represents a different type of antioxidant. Consume at least two vegetables per meal, and apply sunscreen liberally to exposed skin.
To summarize: Antioxidants found in vegetables can help prevent sun damage as well as support the healthy renewal of your skin.
6. Flax seeds
Flax seeds have a long list of health advantages, which are polyphenols that have antioxidant properties and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and breast cancer, are found in these foods.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, is an excellent source of this nutrient (ALA). You can keep your skin healthy and hydrated by eating an omega-3-rich diet, which helps keep your skin plump and hydrated.
Women who ate flax seeds or flax oil for 12 weeks showed an increase in hydration and smoother skin in high-quality studies from 2009 and 2011. New research is, however, needed in this area.
SUMMARY
Known as lignans, the antioxidants found in flax seeds aid in the body’s fight against free radicals. The omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which helps maintain a healthy skin membrane, is found in abundance in these fish.
7. Pomegranates.
Pomegranates, like most fruits, are a good source of vitamins and minerals. A healthy heart is supported by high levels of fiber, potassium, and vitamin K in these foods. Antioxidants like flavonols, tannins, phenolic acids, and lignans abound in these foods.
Pomegranate antioxidants have been shown to reduce sun damage and brown spots on the skin, according to some human and animal studies This group of anti-oxidants also aids in the preservation of the skin’s already existing collagen while encouraging the production of new collagen.
Pomegranate seeds and juice may provide a convenient and nutrient-dense source of antioxidants in the diet, but more research is required.
SUMMARY
Antioxidants found in pomegranates may aid in skin repair and UV damage prevention.
8. Avocados
Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy fats, fiber, and a slew of essential vitamins and minerals. While their high monounsaturated fat content may help support a healthy skin membrane, their high antioxidant content may fight free radicals that damage and aging the skin.
One study, for instance, found a link between better skin health in older adults and a diet high in plant fats Adding avocados to your diet is a simple way to ensure that your skin is getting the nutrition it needs.
SUMMARY
To maintain a youthful appearance and fight the effects of premature aging, the skin membrane is protected by the monounsaturated fats and antioxidants found in avocados.
9. Tomatoes
Many of the health benefits of tomatoes can be attributed to their high concentration of lycopene antioxidants. The carotenoid lycopene is responsible for the red color of tomatoes. Antioxidant properties help to reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Lycopene may also protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, according to studies on human skin samples. However, the level of protection provided by sunscreen is significantly lower.
Antioxidant-rich beverages that contained daily consumption of fish oil, vitamin C, and E were shown in one study to reduce wrinkle depth in women after 15 weeks of daily consumption of lycopene, isoflavones from soy, and other antioxidants Because the beverage contained several other ingredients, the researchers were unable to link these skin benefits directly to lycopene.
Lycopene absorption in the body is greatly enhanced when tomatoes are eaten with healthy fats like olive oil or avocado.
SUMMARY
Lycopene, which is abundant in tomatoes, may offer some protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
10 Collagen peptides
The most plentiful protein in the body is collagen. In particular, the skin and joints contain a high concentration of it. As we get older, our bodies begin to break down and produce collagen less effectively. This can lead to signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and saggy skin, gradually developing.
Collagen synthesis declines as we get older, but consuming foods that support this process can help keep your skin healthy longer. Foods high in protein and vitamin C are among them Avoiding activities that hasten collagen degradation is another option. Among them are things like laying out in the sun and puffing on a cigarette.
There is evidence that consuming hydrolyzed collagen peptides, a smaller form of collagen your body absorbs much more efficiently, may improve skin elasticity, moisture, and firmness while reducing wrinkles in human studies, as has been previously reported
It should be noted that protein intake, overall diet, and smoking are often overlooked in studies. It’s also not guaranteed that collagen protein will be used by the skin because the body uses collagen protein in any way it sees fit In the end, it appears that a diet high in protein is the best way to maintain healthy skin. If you’d like, supplement your diet with a high-protein collagen supplement.
Healthy protein-rich foods to eat regularly include chicken, and egg.
SUMMARY
Hydration, elasticity, and firmness of the skin have all been shown to be improved in humans in studies involving hydrolyzed collagen peptides. However, the studies’ shortcomings necessitate additional investigation.
Round up
As you get older, your skin’s health can be affected by what you eat, and this includes how your skin looks and feels. Diets high in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants have been found to have the greatest impact on skin health.
Along with a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods and the use of sunscreen, avoiding smoking, getting plenty of exercises, and using appropriate skin care products, you should protect your skin with these other habits.
