It is rightly said that what you eat reflects on your skin. A balanced and healthy diet can give you glowing skin that will make you look younger than your actual age. Research has shown that certain foods in our diet can dramatically reduce cellular damage and thereby, slow down the aging process.
Anti-aging foods need not be boring or tasteless. They can be everyday foods or exotic foods that are highly beneficial and nutritious. These super foods are the powerhouses of nutrients and loaded with anti-oxidants. Mentioned below are the top 10 foods that will enhance your health and reduce the signs of aging.
Nuts have always been a part of a healthy diet. They provide us with all the necessary vitamins and nutrients without the overdose of calories and fat. Nuts like cashews, pecan and almonds are good sources of omega-3 fats, especially walnuts. A quarter cup of walnuts can solely meet 91% of your omega-3 fats dietary requirement. Besides, the unsaturated fats in these nuts also boost the cardiovascular health.
Berries are an exotic fruit that can make you look younger. Right from strawberries, blackberries and blueberries to acai berry, the entire family of berries is a rich source of the important plant nutrient, flavonoids. These flavonoids possess anti-aging and anti-cancer effects. Berries also contain antioxidants that promote cell health and protect against diseases.
Yogurt is a good source of protein while being low on calories. The friendly bacterium in this also promotes digestive health. Yogurt is also rich in riboflavin, phosphorous, calcium and Vitamin B12. The health benefits of this food make it a good addition to any dietary regime.
Avocado is rightly termed as a wonder fruit. It is rich in antioxidants, potassium and Vitamin E. Consuming avocados daily will help you age gracefully.
The health benefits of garlic have been known for centuries. Consuming garlic can extensively enhance your immune system and even lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. Garlic works as a good antiviral and antifungal agent, and also helps in reducing the growth of cancer cells.
Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice and oats are rich in fiber that aids digestive health. Whole grains reduce the risk of heart disease and are a great means to reduce your waistline.
Green veggies are a warehouse of anti-oxidants that protect your body cells from free radicals. These harmful free radicals cause you to age faster. Besides, green vegetables are rich in phytochemicals that provide immunity against a variety of diseases. Kale, broccoli and spinach being powerhouses of Vitamin E, calcium and fiber, are termed as nutritional superstars. Beside they also provide UV protection.
It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that aid in healthy functioning of the cells in our body and combat inflammation. This high quality digestible protein can improve your skin texture and lessen fine lines. Include fish in your diet on a regular basis as you grow older to get rid of age related skin and heart ailments.
Besides being a rich source of antioxidants, honey also provides calcium, niacin, thiamine, Vitamin B6 and C. Research has also shown the benefits of honey in combating anxiety and memory loss.
Green tea is herbal drink that will not only help you lose those unwanted calories but will make you look younger as well. They have a high content of a compound called catechin polyphenols. This compound works harmoniously with other chemicals in the body to enhance thermogenesis and fat oxidation. Drinking green tea also checks cholesterol and prevents heart disease and cancer.
Studies show that olive oil contains certain fats, known as mono saturated fats which not only help you control risks of heart diseases but also help in tissue building. They also contain certain polyphones and super powerful anti oxidants. And this is what makes it the best anti aging food.
Chocolates are something everyone loves and we already know that it comes from cocoa seeds. Cocoa is rich in anti oxidants and it’s natural flavonoids helps prevent not just heart and kidney related ailments of old age but also helps you get rid of aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles. It slows down the aging process. It also helps people get rid of and stay away from type-2 diabetes.
Cut down on fatty beverages and include some alcohol into your system. Among different types of wines, Red wine is the best which contains the maximum amount of resveratrol, known to slow down the aging process. Half a glass of Red wine can prevent age lines from appearing at an early age.
Grapes are rich in Resveratrol which has anti-inflammatory and anticoagulatory properties that help in repair of tissue cells.
A proper diet for fighting aging should and must consist of proteins in different forms. If you are a vegetarian, then you can substitute bird or animal proteins with kidney beans, legumes and other such food. Any type of beans contains a good amount of protein. Milk proteins are also available like butter, milk itself and cheese.
If you are a non-vegetarian, then you can include chicken or turkey breasts in your diet. Eggs are also important in your regular diet. Milk proteins should and must be included. Animal proteins can be included too but only in very less amounts.
Regular spices from your kitchen can even help you keep your fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Different spices have different properties. Turmeric is an excellent spice. It not only finds it’s usage in face packs but when taken internally and included in your regular cooking, can help prevent risk of Alzheimer’s disease at old age. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and cell rebuilding properties which can prevent appearance of wrinkles and age spots. Garlic, onion, cinnamon, bayleaves, whole peppers are also among the different other spices which have anti aging properties. Try including these in your regular cooking.
These super foods will help you slow down the aging process. Consuming these foods will help you age with grace. Include them in your diet right away!