Want to Slow Aging? Eat This!

You can’t stop the passage of time, but what if you could slow the process of aging?

THE STORY: The anti-aging market makes billions a year with our quest to look younger. What if you could help slow the process with a few simple switches to your diet though? How you look on the outside is directly impacted by what you’re feeding the inside - no amount of creams or serums will beat starting at the root cause. (Not to mention tackling the inside is cheaper!)

ANTI-AGING FOODS: You probably have already heard about chronic inflammation and it’s impact on your health. Well, aging is basically a chronic inflammatory state, which means eating poor quality foods that cause inflammation (such as foods with trans fats) can make you look older than you are. If you want to look younger, it’s time to ditch the junk and incorporate these anti-aging foods into your diet.

1. Watercress. This oft-overlooked flavorful green has a bit of spice to it and increases the circulation and delivery of minerals to cells in the body, increasing oxygenation. Plus, it contains antioxidants that may help neutralize free radicals keeping away fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Water. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day is a staple of “Ways to Improve Your Skin 101”. That’s because dehydration can cause your skin to look dry and wrinkles. So, drink up! If you’re bored with just plain old water, toss in lemon or lime, strawberries or cucumber and spice things up.
3. Herbs and spices. What you eat is largely based upon how it tastes, so adding herbs and spices you love to nutritious, anti-aging foods will help you consume more of those foods, while limiting your use of sugar and salt which in turn reduces inflammation.
4. Blueberries. These small fruits pack a powerful punch of an antioxidant called anthocyanin that helps protect skin from damage caused by the sun, stress and pollution. They can also help prevent collagen loss!
5. Vitamin C. Fruits and veggies containing Vitamin C should be an important part of your anti-aging diet since Vitamin C is essential in collagen production. This vitamin also helps reduce harmful effects of sun and smoking. So be sure to toss some broccoli and citrus fruits into your diet!
6. Spinach. This leafy green packs a lot of antioxidants, plus is super-hydrating. It also contains high levels of Vitamin C for enhancing collagen production, Vitamin A for shiny hair, and Vitamin K to help reduce inflammation in cells.
7. Nuts. Nuts are a great food for several reasons but for anti-aging purposes they contain heart-healthy fats and selenium for healthy skin. They also contain Vitamin E which is great for repairing skin tissue and helping your skin retain moisture.
8. Avocado. Avocados have a ton of fatty acids that fight inflammation and promote smooth skin.
9. Pomegranate seeds. Pomegranates have long been used medicinally because they contain plenty of antioxidants that help protect from free radical damage and reduce inflammation. They also contain punicalagins, a compound that helps preserve collagen in the skin.
10. Red bell peppers. Besides their high amounts of Vitamin C, these guys contain carotenoids that have a range of anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect skin from sun damage and environmental toxins.

THE ROUND-UP: While you can address signs of aging from the outside with expensive beauty products, you’ll likely find it easier (and cheaper) to take a look at the foods you’re eating and make a few changes. Embrace new, delicious foods and reap the benefits!