Aging is natural and it happens to everyone. Each phase of your life is to be embraced with arms wide open. But due to the busy lives we all lead, stress shows on our skin. So, if you are testing and then later dreading those expensive ‘promised wrinkle reduction’ treatments, you should pay attention to what you eat. At the end of the day, we are what we eat!
Here are 5 foods that will help you win the ever-aging combat:
Dark Chocolate
Yes! You read that right. Dark chocolates are immensely rich in antioxidants. In fact, they are more effective than a few berries. It has already been seen that dark chocolates reduce blood pressure, increase insulin production and improves heart health. ‘Flavanols’ present in chocolates (but only the dark ones) protect skin from sun damage. However, it depends upon the amount of flavanol present as it varies from chocolate brands to chocolate brands. Higher the flavanol, better the sun protection. It increases blood flow to the skin and improves hydration and smoothness.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds contain ‘lignans’ which are known to naturally lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood sugar and optimize insulin level. They also decrease the chances of breast cancer. They are vegan source of an omega-3 fatty acid called ‘ALA’, which protects the skin from UV radiation and reverse sun-related skin damage Continuous use for 2 to 3 months have shown to 12 improve hydration retention and smoothness.
Walnuts
Walnuts other than making your brain sharp are also a very good source of essential fatty acids, (fats that your body cannot make itself). They are rich sources of ‘omega-3’ and ‘omega-6’ fatty acids. Foods high in omega-3 fats reduce inflammation in body including in your skin.
Bone Broth
Bone Broth is high in collagen, which is responsible for healthy bones and muscles. ‘Collagen’ also plays a role in reducing any early signs of aging. When collagen is cooked, it breaks down into ‘Gelatin’, which is rich in the amino acids – glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Our bodies thus absorb these amino acids and use them for further production of new collagen in your skin. Regular consumption of collagen laded foods improves skin elasticity, moisture, firmness and reduce wrinkles. You can also take collagen in a combination of Vitamins C and E.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fishes such as salmon, do miracles for healthy skin. They are very rich in ‘omega-3’ fatty acids, which are important for maintaining and rejuvenating skin. These acids keep skin thick, supple, and soft. An omega-3 fatty acid deficiency is also one of the causes for dry skin. Fats in fish reduce inflammation and redness. They can also make your skin less prone to sunburn.
On a sidenote, even fish oil supplements can help fight inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting your skin. Fatty fish is also a direct source of ‘Vitamin E’ – one of the most important antioxidants for your skin. Getting enough vitamin E is essential for helping protect your skin against the damage from free radicals (wrinkles precisely) and inflammation.
Fishes in general provide ‘Zinc’ — a mineral extremely important for regulating overall skin health and the production of new skin cells. Zinc deficiency leads to skin inflammation and delayed wound healing.
