WWhat if you could eat your way to a more youthful skin…Here are top 10super foods, rich in skin-loving nutrients and antioxidants to keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay. Ready to glow?
First, the fun part: Yes, you can have carbs! And snacks are permitted too: high protein mid-morning, and carb-rich ones in late afternoons. And moderate portions of dark chocolate and a glass of red wine are also enthusiastically endorsed as healthful treats…sounds like nutritional heresy. After all, aren’t we all supposed to be eating more protein and starting our day with a bowl of oats?
Not necessarily, as most nutritionists would agree. Experts note that there are a variety of anti-aging foods -from omega-3 rich salmon and flaxseeds to vitamin C-packed citrus fruits that can work wonders in fighting off skin-damaging free radicals, repair collagen, and reduce inflammation. And there’s only so much that skin creams, masks, and serums can do. Instead, take your pick from these anti-aging secrets to fuel your age reversal for a glow that comes from within.
1.Kale
This leafy green can boost your skin’s elasticity and hydration, as well as the fat under your skin. It has reached nutritional superstardom, that evidently has anti-aging skin powers. Today the diet secrets of the glamourous divas consist exclusively of organic produce such as veggies, supported by lean protein in the form of salmon, turkey and chicken. The celebrities’ love of quinoa and kale are dietary superfoods that India’s Bollywood sirens are currently obsessed with.
Work it! You can try the popular favourite salad mix that involves crispy kale topped with crumbled queso and toasted pumpkin seeds.
Pictured recipe: Kale Salad
2. Avocados
Don’t fancy kale? Try avocados instead—they are high in inflammation-fighting fatty acids that promote smooth, supple skin and can prevent the negative effects of aging.
Did you know that the high content of vitamin A in avocados can help shed dead skin cells? Its carotenoid content assists in blocking toxins and damage from the sun’s rays and also aids as a shield against skin cancers. Try it topically as an incredible moisturizing mask to fight any skin inflammation, reduce redness, and get gorgeous in a jiffy!
Work it! Avocados have to be one of the most delicious foods to try. Mix up a little guacamole, slice a few up on your salad or why not blend it into smoothie, or just order in an avocado sushi.
Pictured recipe: Avocado Smoothie
3. Dark Chocolate
A comforting fact: chocolate is rich in magnesium, another inflammation-fighting nutrient that reduces stress and improves sleep duration and quality, which plays a role in skin aging. Recent research shows that the antioxidants in dark chocolate also bring health benefits to your heart and protects it against aging and damage. Interestingly, cocoa beans, the main ingredient in dark chocolate, is packed with antioxidants that can reduce inflammation from UV exposure, increase circulation and help retain your skin’s hydration.
Work it! Today most health enthusiasts strongly believe in enjoying life’s indulgences with good company and age gracefully! So get inspired to try moderate portions of dark chocolate to satiate the sugar rush post diners!
Pictured Recipe: Chocolate Bark
4. Walnuts
Walnuts are the perfect snack for mid-morning cravings! They give you protein and omega-3s in a safe, convenient form. These omega-3 fatty acids are real longevity natural supplements. They fight off heart disease
by improving your cholesterol.
Pictured Recipe: Mocha Overnight Oats
As they have the most antioxidant power of any nut, walnuts are also great for boosting your gut health and a good gut helps the skin stay in homeostasis for optimal protection, temperature regulation and water retention.
Work it! Eat a handful every day and see its magic work on your hair and skin!
5. Berries
Pictured Recipe: Berries Toast
Some fruits such as berries boost the skin’s vitality and youthful appeal. Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are a great source of antioxidants and other nutrients and are packed with vitamin C—a common ingredient in anti-aging skin products—and antioxidants that fight off free radicals aging the skin. So, ageing gracefully doesn’t have to mean cutting out natural types of sugar, especially when it comes to citrus fruits.
Work it! For an anti-aging dessert, avoid sweet confectionaries, instead try a bowl of berries.
7. Turmeric
Pictured Recipe: Turmeric Latte
Did you know, your spice cabinet is actually your anti-aging toolkit. And turmeric has been used medically in all cultures for centuries to combat and prevent inflammation, and has recently become a popular Ayurveda choice to combat Covid. This golden spice can also help protect against depression, arthritis and certain cancers.
Work it! Jazz up brunch or breakfast with this golden latte that has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
8. Red wine
Turns out that just a glass or two a day has amazing anti-aging benefits to make you look younger. Wine is part of the Mediterranean diet, which is also rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, seafood, yogurt, and olive oil. Research shows that the Mediterranean diet is associated with longer, healthier lives.
Work it! Drinking a glass of red wine a day is the single most important thing that you can do other than non-smoking, as an anti-ageing hack.
9. Green Tea
Touted as an ancient drink for good health and longevity, green tea contains powerful antioxidants that fights DNA damage from UV rays to help prevent skin cancer. That said, it’s also a potent anti-aging ingredient when ingested daily. A small cup of green tea a couple of times a day could do wonders for your life expectancy.
Work it! Swapping green tea for innumerable cups of caffeine or sodas (yes chuck the diet colas too) in the day would have multiple benefits.
10. Salmon
Pictured recipe: Cajun Salmon
Packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can help you stay looking young and keep your skin looking smooth and soft, as well maintain healthy, flexible joints and cognitive function and also act like a natural sunblock, helping to prevent sunburn. And don’t forget: those omega-3s aren’t only vital anti-ageing nutrients, they’re also good for your heart.
Work it! Add these in your meal plan at least once a week. Try sauted or grilled fillets or salmon sushi to up your snack game like no other.
