Have you ever stopped to consider how food plays a role in your skin health?
Sure, you know that it affects your physique and can play a critical role in how you function on a day to day basis, but we are quick to forget the role it plays on our skin. If you’ve ever binged out on junky, processed foods and suffered from the inevitable acne breakout then the correlation is clear. You are what you eat. Or at the very least your skin exhibits the quality of foods you ingest. It’s not surprising then that a diet rich in whole, clean foods can help you look younger and healthier. In fact, foods can greatly impact your appearance and shave years off your appearance in the long run.
But what are the best anti aging foods?
So glad you asked…here are 7 of our favorite anti-aging foods that will make you look younger.
7 Anti Aging Foods for More Youthful Skin
Pomegranates
Pomegranates were once considered a “fad” food, especially after POM juice hit the markets. Everyone was raving about their health properties, specifically their antioxidant levels.
And while many of you moved on to goji berries and raspberry ketones, anti-aging buffs (like us!) knew to stick with pomegranates.
Not only does this fruit taste delicious, but it contains a specific molecule that actually protects your muscle cells from aging; Urolithin A.
This molecule is responsible for regenerating defective mitochondria that may be causing your skin to lose strength and appear older.
Urolithin A, the molecule found in pomegranates, helps regenerate defective mitochondria and therefore rebuilds your skin strength for younger-looking skin.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
People love to hate on olive oil these days, but it is one of our go-to oils for making homemade skin care remedies.
Olive oils anti-aging benefits are numerous. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamins B and vitamin D which all help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and load your skin with moisture. Not only does it moisturize your skin, but it helps to rejuvenate skin cells for a more youthful looking skin.
Eat it or whip it into your fave DIY skin remedies; both ways help to make your skin look younger.
Blueberries
You’re likely starting to notice that a key component of our anti-aging foods is that they support strong skin cells. The stronger your skin cells the more likely they are to retain their collagen and elastin and whether the wear and tear we put our skin through.
Blueberries are another skin strengthening food that is full of powerful antioxidants which help fend of the signs of aging caused by harmful free radicals. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation in your skin.
Fish
Surely you’ve heard of the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids. These essential fats are good for both your brains and beauty and also happen to be abundant in fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel.
As far as your skin goes, omega 3’s help to preserve your skin’s natural fibrous protein collagen. Collagen is what keeps your skin looking firm and taut over the decades.
Fish also helps lower inflammation that may be causing your skin to breakout or appear red.
Garlic
Garlic is highly underrated when it comes to anti-aging and most people don’t even realize how effective it is at turning back the clock on your skin.
Though stinky on the breath, garlic’s antioxidant content works to fight against free radicals and contains natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that prevent skin yeast buildup.
Toss in salad dressings, pasta sauces or any other dish you prefer. Not a fan of the flavor? A garlic supplement pill will also do the trick!
Green Tea
Green tea isn’t just good for soothing your soul on a cold winter’s day, but an amazing supplement to go along with the other anti-aging foods we’ve mentioned so far. Rich in antioxidants and containing high levels of OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), green tea can actually slow down the aging process from the cellular level.
Green tea is also beneficial because it helps seal in moisture for the healthier looking skin. The flavonoids found in this tea help retain your skin’s elasticity which greatly reduces your odds of fine lines and wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.
Leafy Greens
Dark leafy green vegetables like kale, swiss chards and spinach are youth’s best friend. These leafy greens contain beta-carotene which helps repair damaged cells and rejuvenate your skin’s appearance.
Leafy greens are also full of the vitamin folate which is crucial to DNA repair. They also contain potassium and lutein which hydrates your skin from the inside out, plus they contain fiber which helps your body flush out toxins that can be making your skin look dull and tired.
These may be the easiest anti-aging food to ingest because they go great in shakes, salads or even as side dishes. The greener the better!
And there you have it, seven of nature’s best anti-aging foods that will help you fight off the signs of premature aging and look younger than ever.
Be sure to tell us which of these anti-aging foods is making it into your grocery cart this week. Don’t be shy about sharing your fave anti-aging recipes either. Just hit up the comment section below!
Author Bio
V Roberts is the cheeky creator of Top Beauty Brands where she blogs and vlogs about all things skincare—from dirty DIY tricks to budget-friendly product reviews, she covers it all! Keep in touch by visiting BESskincare.com or following her on Facebook and Instagram.