May 14, 2021

11 Anti-Aging Foods that Will do Wonders for Your Skin

11 Anti-Aging Foods that Will do Wonders for Your Skin

Not everybody truly grasps that what you eat and put into your body has a profound effect on your health and the way you age/look. Eating excessive dairy and meat products can cause acne, eating processed foods can slow down the metabolism and cause weight gain, and certain foods will cause you to age faster.


However, there are some foods that will cause you to age slower, too! Some items do wonders for your skin, and we’re about to explore 11 of them.


  1. Red Bell Peppers

Bell peppers, especially the red variety, are extremely high in Vitamin C (a powerful anti-aging ingredient frequently found in skincare products) and have anti-inflammatory properties to calm and cool the skin. Cut them up and chomp on them raw or mix them into your favorite salad or cooked dish. They grill nice, too! Make sure to go for the organic variety.


  1. Broccoli

We know, we know. Broccoli isn’t everybody’s favorite, but we’ll tell you the same thing your mom did when you were a kid: it’s good for you! Broccoli is an anti-inflammatory with calcium, fiber, plenty of antioxidants, and other super great stuff. It also has lots of Vitamin C, which helps with collagen revitalization and production. Broccoli is great anti-aging food!


  1. Blueberries

Blueberries contain an antioxidant called anthocyanin (which also gives it its blue color) that is age-fighting and boosts cell production. They’re also full of Vitamins A and C which help to prevent collagen loss. Collagen is the stuff that keeps your face plump and firm, so keeping it intact is really important if you want to look younger for longer!


  1. Spinach

Just like Popeye the Sailor Man, we need to eat our spinach to stay strong and healthy! These leafy greens are scrumptious and great cooked, canned, or raw, and contain healthy iron that boosts circulation and fiber to help you go to the bathroom. Fiber is really important to incorporate in your diet as it is matter that your digestive system can’t break down, making it a clean sweep of your small intestine and various parts of the colon.


  1. Avocado

Not everybody is a fan of avocado, but it’s one of the most healthy foods on the planet. Avocado is full of healthy fats that keep your skin moisturized and also of Vitamins A, C, K, and E. Vitamin E is especially great for anti-aging and is found in moisturizing lip products. 


  1. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes get their yellowish-orangish color from beta carotene (which is converted into Vitamin A in the body). Vitamin A boosts collagen and cell turnover. It also increases skin elasticity and gives you supple, soft skin. Try baking these for a tasty dinner appetizer, or cut into fries and bake for healthy french fries!


  1. Papaya

Papaya is often referred to as the “superfood of the anti-aging bunch.” You can find it in plenty of skincare products as well as the produce aisle in your grocery store. Papaya is sweet, but some people aren’t too fond of the taste. It’s great for reducing redness and boosting cell turnover for youthful-looking skin. It can also help with weight loss!


  1. Watercress

In case you don’t know what watercress is, it’s basically a crunchy vegetable that is typically thinly sliced into Asian dishes, like stir-fry, and has a very mild taste. These tasty vegetables are high in calcium and antioxidants, making your skin glow and your wrinkles disappear. They will usually come in cans, which is not ideal, so try searching around your local Asian grocery store for fresh watercress.


  1. Pomegranate

Pomegranate seeds have been used by women for centuries as a way to keep looking beautiful and youthful. They’re crunchy, sweet, and wonderful in parfaits, salads, or just by themselves. Pomegranate is high in Vitamin C and contains a funny-sounding ingredient called punicalagin that helps boost collagen production in lower skin layers. You can buy these seeds already taken out of the pomegranate fruit, or you can buy the entire pomegranate and go to town collecting the seeds.


  1. Nuts

Nuts are great for vegans and vegetarians as they contain animal-free proteins. Additionally, nuts like walnuts, pecans, and almonds, help retain the moisture in the skin as well as protecting your skin’s natural microbiome. They’re even like sunscreen in the way they help protect your cells from UV rays!


  1. Dark Chocolate

We had to save the best for last! Who knew that chocolate could be good for you? Dark chocolate is not only an aphrodisiac but also helps reduce dark spots and gives you glowing skin. Try to go for the less sugary varieties.

 

Sabrina Cooklin