None of us like to be told we look older than we are. Yes, we can put fillers and Botox to reduce fine lines and sagging necks but where we really should start is by looking at our diets.
There are many ways to maintain a youthful appearance, starting with good nutrients that benefit the skin and other parts of the body. Research shows that a diet rich in vegetables, wholegrains and even seafood can help maintain a younger looking appearance and keep us living longer! A healthy diet can prevent oxidative damage and reduce inflammation keeping us looking younger. But which foods are the best?
Here’s a short list that might come in handy!
Blueberries: Filled with phytochemicals, they help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on our bodies. What this means is that foods that contain phytochemicals can prevent cell and tissue damage, both of which contribute to the aging process.
Almonds: These are high in magnesium and can also help with the anti-aging process. If you are not a fan of almonds, try eating pecans or cashews. If you have a nut allergy, spinach also contains magnesium. High in healthy fats and protein, they keep you going and are a great healthy snack.
Tomatoes: If you are really worried about your appearance, cook your tomatoes, this boosts the fruit’s antioxidant level. Eat them raw to get your Vitamin C. Either way, another great healthy food.
Flaxseed: At the cellular level and beyond, inflammation plays an important part in the aging process. Foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation. So get as much flaxseed as you can into your diet.
Grass Fed Dairy: We don’t hear much about vitamin K2 but it plays an important role in regulating the body’s calcium levels, making it very helpful in slowing the aging process. The issue is that as we age, calcium can end up in our arteries and soft tissues.
Spinach: Like blueberries, spinach is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, both of which reduce cellular damage and help reduce inflammation. Spinach is high in fiber, which assists in the digestive process and keeps us feeling younger.
Beans: Packed with lots of fiber and protein they are also low in carbohydrates. That makes them a great food choice if you are trying to lose weight because they are loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds. Beans are also great for slowing down the aging process. Beans that have a higher amount of antioxidants are red beans, black beans and pinto beans.
Salmon: Loaded with health protein and omega 3 fatty acids, salmon also helps in reducing inflammation and slowing down the aging process. If you don’t like salmon and want to get those omega 3’s in, try sardines or tuna.
Turmeric: Sometimes, just changing the spices we use can make us feel better and younger. Turmeric contains loads of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can help the digestive process and slow aging. Just avoid spilling it, since this yellow spice can stain clothes.
Dark Chocolate: Contains cocoa flavanol which is a type of antioxidant found in dark chocolate and can actually reverse cognitive aging. The trick is to find a chocolate with the highest cocoa content as it contains high levels of anti- inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants are compounds that your body makes naturally. When possible, enjoy foods rich in a variety of antioxidants to reap all their possible health benefits.
Emma Bitz.
