Simple Foods Guaranteed To Help You Age Gracefully

Skin damage can occur in the form of wrinkles, acne, marks or scars. Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and improper diet can cause an individual's skin to appear much older than it should for their actual age. Other factors contributing to skin damage are stress, environmental toxins, and poor sleep habits. Skin damage, thankfully, can be reversed through countless different methods, both medical treatment methods as well as home remedies. Of course, it's crucial to understand individuals can also affect their skin in a healthy way by eating foods high in antioxidants. Get familiar with the best foods to help with aging gracefully now.

Oranges

Overexposure to the sun causes damage to the top layer of the skin called the epidermis, as the sun’s ultraviolet rays destroy collagen. which is a collection of amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. Collagen protects the skin by preventing absorption and spreading of bacteria or toxins. The production of collagen slows down with age. Aging also causes the skin to become thinner, which makes it easier to damage.

Oranges contain vitamin C, which is needed to make collagen. Vitamin C reverses the harmful effects of UV damage by eliminating toxins and stabilizing the structure of collagen. Vitamin C can also be used to treat hyperpigmentation, and when taken in conjunction with vitamin E, vitamin C is four times as potent. Other foods high in vitamin C are citrus fruits such as lemons and limes.

Almonds

Almonds are high in antioxidants and vitamin E, and as we know, vitamins E and C work together to reverse the effects of skin damage by protecting cell membranes, DNA, and enzyme sites from damage. Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble antioxidant, meaning it needs the presence of dietary fat in order to be absorbed. Vitamin E can easily access skin cell membranes and protect them against the destruction of collagen to reverse aging. Research indicates individuals who consume almonds daily at roughly eighty-five grams a day, saw their levels of vitamin E increase by approximately five to nine percent within four to six weeks.

Besides benefiting individuals through antioxidants, almonds also contain healthy fats and are quite filling, which makes them an excellent snack for those attempting to manage their weight. They are also said to be healthy for managing cholesterol and blood pressure.

Carrots

Skin contains quite a lot of carotenoids, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from excessive damage, naturally. Of course, it is important to consume carotenoids as well to maintain these levels. The good news is carrots are a good source of carotenoids. Supplementing the diet with foods high in carotenoids produces a build-up in the skin that protects against UV damage. Carrots also contain quite a lot of beta carotene (vitamin A), which is vital in medhelkping maintain the health of an individual's skin. Along with overall skin health, beta carotene promotes wound healing, builds new skin tissue, prevents the development of wrinkles, and fights against acne.

Green Tea

Green tea has long been known to be incredibly helpful when it comes to helping individuals age gracefully. It is high in polyphenols and protects the skin from inflammation due to ultraviolet light exposure and DNA damage. Some sources indicate green tea may even help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Experts have also claimed green tea can reduce oxidative stress and the inflammation and skin damage that can stem from it. Green tea also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the skin by boosting the turnover of cells through its high content of EGCG, an anti-aging antioxidant. Green tea comes in multiple forms as well. There is the traditional cup of green tea of course, but some companies have harnessed its powers and turned it into capsule form as well. Matcha green tea also starts as a powder, which means it can be combined with other things in many ways, including in smoothies and baked goods.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Turmeric is an Indian herb that helps protect the skin. It is high in flavonoids, which are the largest class of polyphenols. The main ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, and this helps an individual's bloodstream absorb turmeric. If buying a turmeric supplement, individuals should make sure it contains ninety-five percent curcumin. Black pepper also helps absorb turmeric. Flavonoids take years off the appearance of skin by acting as an antioxidant. Antioxidants can help protect the skin from cellular damage and heal damage already done. Turmeric can be consumed in a variety of ways. It is often a large part of curry dishes, and can also be added to smoothies or consumed as a tea or soup. The choice is up to the individual!

Asparagus

Asparagus is an excellent source of prebiotics, which are needed to fuel the 'good' bacteria found in the gut, known as probiotics. Probiotics aid in skin health by boosting the immune system. Approximately seventy percent of the immune system lives in the gut. Thus, it is clear bacteria in the skin benefit from eating foods high in probiotics and prebiotics. The probiotic strain Lactobacillus restores immunity in skin otherwise overexposed to the skin’s UV rays. There are many ways to consume asparagus, from steaming or boiling the stalks to roasting them in the oven or barbecuing them in tin foil. It is important, of course, to add some seasoning to asparagus. Butt and salt are popular, though these should only be used in moderation. Some also claim parmesan cheese and garlic powder really taste delicious on asparagus as well.

Flaxseed

Flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are an essential part of reducing inflammation in the skin, which can help heal skin irritations and other marks or scars, including those associated with acne of all types. They can also contribute to keeping the skin hydrated and prevent dryness. Omega-3 fatty acids prevent wrinkle formation caused by chronic ultraviolet exposure. Antioxidants and phytochemicals are also found in high amounts in flaxseed, and these also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Some also report flaxseed and flaxseed oil helps increase the skin's elasticity, firmness, and hydration, which all boost its appearance and make it look young. There also appears to be some information indicating flaxseed and its oil can alleviate the severity of chronic skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers, which are ninety percent water, have long been used to keep the skin hydrated and treat skin disorders. They also contain anti-inflammatory compounds known as cucurbitacins and curcumin, which combat wrinkles and sun damage. They also have a cooling quality, which makes them ideal for treating sunburns. Cucumbers are good sources of vitamins C and K, which both help fight dark circles underneath the eye. High in pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, cucumbers help the skin retain moisture, so it does not become dried out or cracked.

Cucumbers contain an excellent source of silica, which is a precursor to collagen and helps fight wrinkles. Cucumbers can be eaten raw or applied directly to the face by adding cucumber juice to lotions and facial washes. To make cucumber juice, grate a cucumber and strain out the juice through a cheesecloth. Mix the juice with equal parts of witch hazel or rose water. Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture to the face.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains many compounds that contribute to skin health, including medium chain fatty acids, which keep the skin smooth when applied topically. The fatty acids found in coconut oil helps skin retain its moisture and also reduces the appearance of pores. Capric, caprylic, and lauric acids have been linked to weight loss, which can reduce excess fat, stretch marks, and folds in the skin. Vitamin E helps repair wear and tear on the skin by keeping it smooth and protecting against dryness and it works as an antioxidant to reduce wrinkles. Coconut oil is also an excellent source of protein, which is needed to keep skin rejuvenated. Protein contributes to tissue repair and cellular health to help repair damaged skin.

Blueberries

Blueberries may help individuals get rid of acne, which is often caused by hormonal changes, through their vitamin A content, a vitamin that helps neutralize oil levels in the skin. Blueberries also contain quite a lot of vitamin C, which can help strengthen the blood vessels under the skin by promoting circulation. Vitamin C, as is quite clear at this point in time, greatly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and acne. Blueberries are high in antioxidants known as phytochemicals, which fight free radical damage and reverse skin aging.

Eggs

Not many individuals realize the dietary benefits that can come from eating an egg. Eggs contain quite a lot of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, including vitamin b12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E, which help protect the skin from the harmful effect's of the sun, thus aging it gracefully. The yolk of an egg can also help improve eyesight, which is especially important as we get older. With age, an individual's eyesight is one of the first things to go, and an egg can provide important nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin to counteract macular degeneration (loss of central vision).

Raspberries

If an individual tends to feel abnormal amounts of stress, they may wish to know berries are a great way to keep that stress from making a permanent home on their face. Raspberries, along with most other kinds of berries, are chock full of healthy things like antioxidants, which are crucial in protecting the skin cells from premature aging. The antioxidants found in raspberries can also reduce the amount of discoloration and aging spots that appear on an individual's skin. Furthermore, they serve as a good protectant against the sun. While they can obviously be eaten, individuals can also mix raspberries with other natural ingredients to make a face mask to harness their anti-aging effects on the skin as well.

Cauliflower

As we get older, it’s important that we pay more attention to our bones and in doing so, eat foods that promote good bone development. With this in mind, it's nice to note cauliflower contains high levels of vitamin K, which helps bone cells produce collagen, a key component for the formation of strong, new bone tissue. Cauliflower is also rich in vitamin C, which also boosts the production of collagen in the body, another factor in making an individual's skin appear youthful and resilient to the harsh aging process. Cauliflower also contains high levels of fiber and water, reducing the risk of colon cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal disorders.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a yummy and juicy multi-purpose fruit that can easily be incorporated into an individual's everyday diet. They contain a compound known as lycopene, which is what gives them their vibrant red color and also works to protect the skin from UV light, a common reason behind the development of wrinkles. Additionally, the Canadian Medical Association Journal notes regularly eating a tomato can lead to a reduced risk in cancer and certain cardiovascular diseases. Tomatoes are also loaded with antioxidants that can protect the eyes from the development of cataracts and light-inducing damage. Not only that, but these antioxidants include vitamin C, which we already know helps protect the skin from sun damage, and get rid of those wrinkles, blemishes, and sagging skin.

Yogurt

Health problems become more of a concern the older we get. Fortunately, there are certain that offers a substantial amount of nutritional value. Yogurt is an amazing source of protein for older individuals, as it boosts the functions of the muscles in the body. It also contains high levels of vitamin D and calcium, which fight against osteoporosis and loss of bone density.

It’s easy for an individual's weight to get the best of them as they get older as well. Adding yogurt to an everyday diet can help maintain the risk of obesity in older individuals, as it helps reduce the amount of fat and calories individuals regularly consume. Also, yogurt often contains probiotics, so digesting it will be easy!