Aging is a natural part of life, and most people are grateful for the chance to get older. However, aging can take a toll on the body and lead to wrinkles, thinning skin, weight gain, and uneven skin tone. Fortunately, there are some foods you can consume regularly that will keep you looking your best so you can age healthily.
Blueberries are high in vitamins C and A, as well as anthocyanin, which is an antioxidant that defies aging. Anthocyanin is the reason blueberries are a deep blue color. Blueberries are ideal for protecting the skin from sun and pollution damage. These small fruits can also shield the body from aging due to stress. You can try blueberries in a smoothie, put them in a salad, or add them to warm or cold cereal to get the health benefits of this tasty fruit.
2. Papaya
Papaya is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and is also a great source of potassium. This tropical also has magnesium and phosphorus and is beneficial for fighting the signs of aging. Papaya also contains an enzyme called papain, which helps reduce inflammation and slow the signs of aging. Not only can you eat papaya as a snack or as part of your fruit salad or smoothie, but the enzyme in the fruit is also included in some exfoliating products to keep your skin looking its best.
3. Red Bell Pepper
If you’re looking for something new for dinner, try a recipe that contains red bell pepper. These peppers are a good source of vitamin C, which helps to prevent and reverse the effects of aging. Vitamin C helps the body produce more collagen, which can tighten the skin and stop wrinkles from forming. You can eat red bell peppers in a salad, or you can sautee the pepper with other vegetables. Stuffed peppers are also a delicious dinner option.
4. Watercress
Add watercress to your salads or use it as a garnish for dinner. Watercress is high in calcium and potassium and contains several antioxidants that can protect the skin from free radicals and environmental toxins. Watercress improves circulation, which makes it easier for nutrients to get to all the cells in the body.
5. Broccoli
Don’t forget to include more broccoli in your diet if you’re looking for ways to support healthy aging. Broccoli prevents and reduces inflammation in the body and also contains fiber, lutein, and calcium. You can eat broccoli raw as a snack with your favorite dip, or you can steam the vegetable to enjoy with lunch or dinner. You can also include broccoli in cold salads like coleslaw and pasta salad.
6. Spinach
Spinach is a great source of lutein, which is essential for eye health. This leafy green also contains hemi iron, which gives the body energy and cleanses the blood. Eating spinach in a salad or adding it to your smoothies or fresh juice is a great way to get vitamin A, which is essential for the health of the hair and skin.
7. Nuts
Nuts, especially almonds, are essential for anti-aging health. Nuts can help the skin retain moisture by protecting the natural oil barrier of the skin. Eating nuts can also help shield the skin from sun damage. Nuts like walnuts and pistachio can even help reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 disease. You can eat about a handful of almonds, walnuts, or pecans as a snack, or use these superfoods as a topping for salads and soups.
8. Garlic
Garlic is a tasty addition to pasta and salad, and including more of this fragrant ingredient in your diet can prevent sun damage after you’ve been exposed to UVB rays. Eating garlic can also reduce the breakdown of collagen to keep wrinkles from forming on your skin and hands.
9. Acai Berries
Adding these superfood berries to your smoothies, hot cereal, or fruit salad can help prevent mutation of your cells, which helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Acai berries are also high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes the production of collagen to keep skin firm as you age.
10. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds keep the skin’s outer layer intact to protect you from pollutants in the environment. The seeds are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids to give your skin a healthy glow and protect the function of the brain, which is vital as you age.
11. Cinnamon
You can add cinnamon to hot cereal or sprinkle a little of this sweet herb in your tea for antioxidant benefits that slow the aging process in your skin and throughout your body. Cinnamon also helps to balance and lower blood sugar to prevent and naturally treat type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon can also be taken in supplement form.
12. Salmon
Salmon is a fatty fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids for skin and brain health. This fish is also rich in vitamin D, which is essential for the health of the skin, hair, and eyes. Vitamin D also helps to prevent sun damage and can reduce the risk of skin cancer from sun exposure.
13. Cucumber and Celery
These veggies have a mild flavor and are vital for getting rid of water retention. You can also eat celery and cucumber to aid in your weight loss efforts. Drinking cucumber water or celery juice makes the skin smooth and supple, and both vegetables contain silica, which prevents skin dryness and promotes elasticity.
14. Oranges
Eating an orange each day can give the body essential vitamin C. Since humans are unable to synthesize this vitamin on their own, we must get it from food sources. Vitamin C makes the immune system stronger and shields us from impurities in the environment. Oranges can also help to remove toxins from the skin and keep collagen intact.
15. Avocado
Avocado has become extremely popular in the last few years since it is filled with beneficial fats that keep the skin supple. Avocado is also high in B vitamins, which are essential for a healthy immune system and brain function. Use avocado in smoothies or spread it on toast to keep your skin glowing and hydrated from the inside out.
