There’s not much not to love when it comes to all things anti-aging. After all, it generally means that aging is not on the cards, right?
If you’re looking for natural ways to beat aging before it sets in, or even to help slow down any signs you may have already spotted, it’s doable. Gone are the days where we’re all frustrated by over-promising and under-delivering creams, there’s a new way to stop your skin from showing your actual age.
And ladies, that’s with food.
We all know that the right foods can be good for us, but it’s harder to understand how they can truly benefit us when it comes to anti-aging. Vitamins and minerals keep us healthy, but what can they do for our skin? It’s time to share the skincare secrets of food when it comes to preserving youth, so – are you ready?
As a side note, of course (!) we recommend using anti-aging creams as well. If you want, you can click here to see our highest-rated creams.
Contents
Olive Oil
Yes, that’s right. That lovely little oil that health lovers convinced us all to switch over to has its benefits and not just our general well-being.
Those living in the Mediterranean have loved it for years, and they’re definitely on to something. Olive Oil contains monounsaturated fats (read as good or healthy ones), which have been linked to low levels of both heart disease and cancer. But, they’re also full of antioxidants.
Antioxidants are your best friend when it comes to slowing down the signs of aging. They work with the body to keep it functioning right, and the appearance goes the same. So for more radiant skin and a lot fewer lines, you’ll want to up your oil intake.
Make sure you’re cooking in Olive Oil and drizzling it on your salads for extra anti-aging help. It’s so much easier to get your fats in as an accompaniment, but they’re also great in shakes and smoothies too.
Fish
Fish has been good for us forever. We all know that. All kinds of fish are known for having great properties that work with the body, especially the heart. So if high cholesterol levels are something you’re worried about, you should be swapping your red meats for fish right away.
But are you just thinking about your heart and cholesterol levels when you think of fish? Yes, you should still do that, but what about your skin? If you’re serious about anti-wrinkle solutions, fish should be at the top of your hit list.
It’s full of Omega-3 oils which are so good for the skin and the body alike [1]. Healthy oils like these keep your skin looking plump and full – just like the effect of proper hydration. To keep those fine lines at bay, it’s best to opt for a few portions of oily fish each week.
Chocolate
Now I know that you’re going to question me on this one. Chocolate? Good for you? Really? Yes, really – it’s scientifically proven. Those that drink cocoa more than those of us that don’t are shown to have healthier functioning blood vessels. Keeping youth throughout your blood vessels dramatically reduces the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even dementia.
Plus, we all know chocolate is a mood booster. Just don’t overdo it. Too much sweet chocolate will have the opposite on your skin. When it comes to chocolate and your health, dark chocolate is best and in smaller amounts.
At least you’ll satisfy your sweet tooth while thinking of your longevity.
Nuts
You might have underestimated these little beauties, but I’m sure after reading this you won’t be doing it again. Nuts are great all-rounders for health. Studies even show that those with a diet rich in nuts tend to live 2-3 years longer than those that don’t. And if that’s not great for the age conscious, I don’t know what is.
And the benefits for your skin? Those lovely little fats again of course. And yes, they are the healthy kind – unsaturated to be exact. Not only do they have a load of vitamins and minerals in them, but they’re full of antioxidants, just like healthy oils (here’s looking at you, Olive Oil).
But be careful, you don’t want to fill up on the processed kind or those added with salt – they’re likely to do more harm than good. Added salts never benefit you – they’re awful for dehydration, which counteracts all of your hard work.
Blueberries
You probably already go out of your way to eat these tasty blue fruits. Not only are they super yummy, but they are also great for your skin and one of the best anti-aging foods out there. Blueberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, including:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Anthocyanin [2]
All these ingredients help protect the skin from sun damage, stress, or pollution. So next time you’re making yourself a salad or fruit smoothie, be sure to throw a handful of blueberries in there!
Avocado
You’ll sense a theme here, but that’s what natural anti-aging is all about – the best ways to slow down the process of aging, live healthier for longer and battle those visible signs! So, in keeping with the love of healthy fats and their benefits, avocados couldn’t top the list.
Not only are these little treats great for all-around health, but they’re perfect for anti-aging. Like Olive Oil, avocados are full of monounsaturated fats, and I’m sure by now, you’ll know just how precious those little gems are!
Great for your heart and your skin, making sure you eat avocados (or, if you’re like me, avocados plural) daily to keep your health ripe. They’re easy to fit in, taste great with eggs, in salads, and as a side to pretty much every meal. You can even pop them in juices if you fancy getting your greens in quick.
Green Vegetables
Be sure to get your veggie intake every day. Some of the best anti-aging foods are broccoli and spinach. Broccoli, for example, is an anti-inflammatory food that contains vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, calcium, folate, lutein, and a number of antioxidants.
Vitamin C is what gives your skin that elasticity and firmness we all love! Consider eating broccoli raw as a snack or gently steaming it before eating.
Now let’s talk a little bit about spinach. This food is packed with antioxidants that replenish and oxygenate the body. It’s filled with several vitamins (A, C, E, and K) as well as lutein, iron, and magnesium. This leafy green will also enhance the collagen production in your skin keeping it glowing.
Eating spinach is easier than you think! You can add a handful of it into your salad, smoothie, or consider making it with your eggs to disguise the flavor.
Papaya
A fantastic superfood rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that helps improve your skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Some of these are included:
- Calcium
- B vitamins
- Magnesium
- Vitamins E, K, C, A
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
Beautiful, radiant skin starts with the food that we put into our bodies – these are some of the best anti-aging foods you can eat, so take advantage of them! Not only are they great options for beautiful, glowing skin, but they are also overall healthy options that we should already be eating.
So, now that you know how to get your anti-aging routine downright, how will you be kick-starting yours? We want to hear all about it!
Of course, anti-aging creams also do a great job, and are a must! Here you can check out our highest-rated anti-aging creams.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6117694/
[2] https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-scoop-on-anthocyanins-89522
