10 Best Anti-Aging Foods For Younger-Looking Skin

The largest organ of our body, the skin, often gives the first indicators of what is happening inside our bodies, whether it is internal troubles or appreciation of a healthy lifestyle. When we start ageing, it shows up on our skin, first. Therefore, it is important for us to maintain a proper lifestyle and a healthy diet. Foods that are rich in anti-ageing properties are packed with Vitamin C to boost collagen, Vitamin E to protect our skin, and a variety of other antioxidants, amino acids and anti-inflammatory nutrients that preserve our skin from damage.

Five Anti-ageing Food That Glows Up Your Skin

Listed below are 5 such anti-ageing foods that help promote younger-looking skin.

1. Papaya

The large variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals present in papaya, like Vitamins A, C, B, K, and E, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous, delay the signs of ageing by fighting free-radical damage. This superfood can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and is excellent for skin elasticity. The anti-inflammatory enzyme Papain present in papayas also has additional anti-ageing effects, helping the skin become more glowing.

2. Nuts

Nuts are loaded with a lot of nutrients like proteins, minerals, antioxidants, oils, omega-3 and Vitamins A and E. The Vitamins A and E present in many nuts, especially almonds and walnuts, repair skin tissue, retain skin moisture and protect our skin from UV rays and sun damage. The highly anti-inflammatory Omega-3 Fatty Acids present in walnuts help strengthen skin cell membranes and preserve the skin’s natural oil barrier, giving it a beautiful glow.  

3. Broccoli

Apart from the anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing nutrients like fibre, folate, calcium, lutein and a variety of antioxidants, the nutrient powerhouse broccoli also contains Vitamins C and K, which are essential for the production of collagen, the protein that gives our skin its strength and elasticity. This makes our skin firmer, smoother, repair faster and glow more.

4. Spinach

Spinach contains very high amounts of Vitamin C & K, which help in collagen production, preserving skin’s elasticity and making it firm. This leafy green vegetable is very hydrating and contains a variety of nutrients like antioxidants, zinc, magnesium, iron, lutein and Vitamins A, C, E and K, which further help oxygenate and replenish our skin and prevent breakouts.

5. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolates that contain at least 70% cocoa in them are extremely rich in anti-ageing properties. They contain anti-oxidant compounds called cocoa-flavanols, which protect our skin from UV rays and prevent sun damage. Eating dark chocolate in limited amounts also increases blood flow that enhances skin moisture and helps nourish our skin.

6. Avocado

Avocados are high in anti-inflammatory fatty acids, which promote smooth, supple skin. They also include a variety of vital nutrients that may help to reduce the detrimental consequences of ageing, such as: vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A.

Potassium. Avocados' high vitamin A concentration can help us shed dead skin cells, leaving us with beautiful, bright skin. Their carotenoid content may also aid in the blocking of toxins and damage caused by the sun's rays, as well as the prevention of skin cancer.

7. Sweet Potatoes

The orange colour of the sweet potato is caused by beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A. Vitamin A may help restore skin suppleness, improve skin cell turnover, and contribute to soft, youthful-looking skin in the long run.

This delectable root vegetable is also high in vitamins C and E, which may protect our skin from dangerous free radicals and keep our complexion glowing.

8. Pomegranate Seeds

Pomegranates have been utilised as a restorative medicinal fruit for generations. Vitamin C and a range of strong antioxidants are abundant.Pomegranates, according to a reliable source, may protect our bodies from free radical damage and lower levels of inflammation in our bodies.

These nutritious fruits also include a chemical known as punicalagins, which may aid in the preservation of collagen in the skin, thereby reducing the indications of ageing.

9. Green Tea 

Green tea is abundant in antioxidants, which might aid the body combat free radicals. Free radicals are unstable chemicals produced by regular cell action. They can also arise in reaction to environmental stresses such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation or tobacco smoke. When free radicals are present in large concentrations, they can cause cell damage.

This is where antioxidants come into play. These molecules bind to free radicals, preventing them from causing damage. Antioxidants are typically obtained through diet, such as green tea.

Green tea is particularly abundant in polyphenols, which are antioxidants. It contains a lot of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), catechins, and gallic acid. These may lessen your chances of:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Decrease in neurological function
• Other chronic disorders that cause premature ageing

Green tea polyphenols may help prevent external skin ageing caused by environmental stresses such as the sun and pollution by scavenging free radicals before they damage the skin.  

10. Flax Seeds 

Flax seeds provide numerous health benefits. They contain lignans, a type of polyphenol with antioxidant properties that may reduce your chance of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and breast cancer. They are also high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. A diet high in omega-3 fats promotes a healthy skin membrane by keeping your skin moisturised and plump.

Besides the above, a balanced diet including foods like carrots, ginger, chia seeds, watermelon, cinnamon, avocados, apricots, bell peppers, tomatoes, berries, beans and lentils also helps maintain great skin health.

Always remember, what you eat has a direct impact on how your skin looks.