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You don’t have to be old to want to look young and fresh.
That’s why we’ve put together the top 10 anti-aging foods that will keep you
looking young and full of energy. Whether you’re at home or on the go, eating
these foods can help keep your body looking, feeling, and functioning as you
age. Here are our favourite anti-aging foods!
1. Papaya
Packed with carotenoids that protect your cells from free
radical damage, papaya is one of nature’s best sources of skin rejuvenators.
Papain, a compound found in papaya, breaks down proteins which helps it get rid
of dead skin and help regenerate new cells. Besides keeping your skin young
looking, papaya also has anti-inflammatory properties that are great for
reducing the redness associated with pimples. It's one of those rare fruits that
taste great even when they're not perfectly ripe.
2. Avocado
High in skin-softening oleic acid, avocados are good for
more than just guacamole. By promoting collagen production and rejuvenating
dead skin cells, they keep skin smooth, soft, and less prone to wrinkles. And
avocados are rich in vitamin E, which plays a role in keeping your eyes
healthy. In one study, published in Current Eye Research, people who consumed
foods high in vitamin E were found to have better peripheral vision compared
with those who did not consume as much of it.
3. Salmon
This fatty fish is great for your heart, skin, eyes, and
brain. Omega-3 fatty acids can also protect you from prostate cancer. Load up
on salmon (and other fish rich in omega-3s) twice a week to get all of its
anti-aging benefits. Eat it with avocado, which is
rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that will keep you looking younger!
4. Berries
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Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent
premature aging by slowing down oxidative damage. While you can find it in red
wine, you can also find it in blueberries, cranberries, raspberries,
strawberries, blackberries, and mulberries. These tasty little fruits are so
packed with antioxidants that they even protect against heart disease. Berries
are also loaded with vitamin C which protects against cell damage caused by
aging. In fact a recent study showed that eating just two servings of berries
per week was enough to significantly improve your overall health as well as
your appearance.
5. Green tea
The secret to fresh and healthy skin, green tea is full of
antioxidants that ward off damaging free radicals. These antioxidants also slow
down cellular aging. Just make sure you drink it without added sugar, which can
increase inflammation in your body. And don’t go overboard—green tea has about
half as much caffeine as coffee, so more isn’t necessarily better. Green tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine which
promotes relaxation, making it a nice way to unwind after a stressful day. Enjoy your cup after dinner or add some to your breakfast smoothie for gentle
pick-me-up midday or afternoon snack.
6. Beans, lentils, and peas
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Plant-based proteins (i.e., protein from beans, lentils,
peas, quinoa, etc.) are one of our secret weapons for staying young. Research
suggests that a diet rich in these proteins can help preserve muscle mass as we
age by slowing down muscle loss. To reap their benefits, fill half your plate
with beans or lentils at every meal. Legumes are low in calories and
high in filling fiber. So you’ll feel fuller longer and have fewer cravings to
boot.
7. Nuts
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8. Wheatgrass
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Known as a powerful detoxifier, wheatgrass is great for
purifying your blood. Since toxins build up in our body’s cells, by drinking
wheatgrass you can rid yourself of those toxins to reduce aging skin issues.
Wheatgrass also contains chlorophyll which gives your skin its natural glow.
The most efficient way to enjoy wheatgrass is through juicing or smoothies.
9. Pumpkin seeds
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As a good source of zinc, which helps maintain a healthy
immune system, pumpkin seeds are an excellent anti-aging food. They’re also rich
in vitamin E, which is vital for collagen production. By consuming plenty of
these seeds on a regular basis, you’ll keep your skin looking youthful and
bright.
10. Hot peppers
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Hot peppers are loaded with capsaicin, a compound that helps
stimulate skin cell production. The hotter you like your food, the more
effective it will be for getting rid of wrinkles. A 2008 study in the Journal of
Clinical Biochemistry found that eating chilli peppers can improve dermal
thickness, hydration and elasticity. Hot peppers also have anti-inflammatory
properties that make them helpful for reducing symptoms associated with
rheumatoid arthritis. Try them in tacos or stir-fries. For best results, apply
hot sauce to the face once a day.
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