Most of the time, what you eat reflects on your skin; nourishment from within radiates outward, revealing the true beauty of your choices. Including nutrient-rich foods in our diet is more important than the creams and serums we apply on the face to achieve glowing skin and get anti aging benefits. However, experts emphasize that the first step towards achieving a radiant complexion is to cut down on sugar and processed foods high in sodium and refined carbs, as these can negatively impact the skin. Other than that, here’s a list of top 5 foods for glowing skin and anti aging.
But first, here are three food categories to cut down to avoid damaging the skin:
3 Foods To Avoid To Prevent Wrinkles and Promote Anti Aging:
1. Sugar: According to an article published in University of Cambridge website, consumption of excess sugar, both refined and added sugar, can lead to a process called glycation where sugar molecules attach themselves to protein in the skin and lead to formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These advanced glycation end products can cause collagen and elastin damage, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and dullness. So, the first step towards anti-aging would be to reduce or eliminate sugar consumption.
2. Processed Foods with High Sodium: High sodium intake can cause water retention, leading to puffiness and swelling of the skin. An article published in Better Aging, too much sodium in the diet can speed up aging.
3. Refined Carbohydrates: Refined carbohydrates, such as those found in foods made with refined flour/maida, such as white bread, pasta, candies, baked goodies, etc., have a high glycemic index, leading to sharp spikes in blood sugar levels. These frequent spikes can trigger inflammation in the body, which can show up as acne, redness, and other skin issues.
Cutting down on these foods and incorporating nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, protein, and healthy fats into your diet can give your face a lovely glow as the nutrients in these foods nourish the skin from within. Additionally, the following 5 foods promote collagen production and contribute to a radiant and healthy glow.
5 Must-Eat Foods For Glowing Skin and Anti Aging:
1. ABC Juice: ABC juice is made from blending together apple, beetroot, and carrot, offering abundant nutrition to the body including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Regular consumption enhances immunity, refines skin texture, and aids in weight loss support.
2. Almonds and Walnuts: These nuts contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that stop skin from aging too soon. Almonds have vitamin E and protein, which help make collagen and keep skin healthy. Walnuts are often used in scrubs because they’re good at removing dead skin cells. But, did you know, walnuts also have omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which both help make collagen?
3. Green Tea: We know that green tea helps speed up metabolism. But drinking this tea also gives your body antioxidants like catechins. These fight against harmful free radicals that can damage skin cells and make your skin age faster. Green tea also helps reduce inflammation in the body. But remember, it’s best to limit your green tea intake to two cups a day to avoid dehydration.
4. Orange-Colored Foods: Beta carotene, found in carrots, pumpkins, oranges, and peaches, gives these foods their typical orange pigment. This compound possesses antioxidant properties and serves as a precursor for the formation of vitamin A, contributing to healthy skin.
5. Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes also have beta carotene, which adds a wonderful glow from the inside. They also contain vitamin C, necessary for collagen production, and antioxidants that fight free radicals damaging the skin.
In conclusion, as mentioned previously, achieving radiant, youthful skin is not just about the products we apply topically, it begins with the choices we make in our diet. By prioritizing nutrient-rich foods and reducing consumption of sugar and processed foods, and that’s when the changes begin to happen. Remember, nourishment from the inside out is the key to revealing the true beauty of your skin. Choose wisely, and let your healthy choices shine through! For more skincare tips, read more articles on Eat Slim Foods.