Top 8 Anti-Aging Foods to help you Live a Happier and Healthier Life

As we age, we expect and accept some minor signs of aging, because no one can run away from the process of aging. However, for some people, the symptoms of aging arrive much earlier. It is usually referred to as premature aging, which can also be defined as unnatural aging. However, it can be prevented as well as treated by following a healthy lifestyle and professional skin care.

Causes of Premature Aging

While premature aging is mostly because of environmental damage, our lifestyle choices also play a major role in it. Moreover, some medical conditions can also contribute to the development of premature aging signs. Studies have found that smoking, sleep deprivation, and facial mimicry can accelerate our aging process.

These aging signs eventually appear in all individuals, but the problem is when they become visible in one’s late 20s or early 30s. Consider these signs as the first alarm of early aging. (1)

Signs of Premature Aging

• Fine lines
• Crow's feet
• Dullness
• Puffy eyes
• Drooping
• Dryness

Timeline of Aging Signs

Believe it or not, our skin starts to change in our 20s and things get worse as we age. To understand this in a better way, we can divide the aging process into 3 broad categories. Let's have a look of each:

• Our 20s

When you are in our 20s, aging signs appear around your eyes like crow’s feet and drooping upper eyelids that make the eyes look smaller. Also, fine lines start to form around the upper lip and nose, but since the skin condition is good, it is not that easy to notice those signs.

Youngsters are their 20's usually overlook the importance of sunscreen. They do not realize that the harmful rays can be very bad in the long run. It damages your skin from the inside, leading to the formation of dark spots on the skin.

• Our 30s

When you hit your 30s, fine lines start to appear on the face because of the facial expressions. These lines gradually become prominent with age. Frown lines between the eyebrows gradually become more visible. Likewise, laugh lines around your nose and mouth tend to be more conspicuous. All these happen because our skin starts to lose its elasticity. The thickness of the upper lip also starts to decline and you may feel an overall dryness on our face and file lines may appear. At this time, proper guidance from experts can prevent the file lines on your face. (2)

•   In Our 40 and Beyond

When you are in your 40s, the skin continues to lose its elasticity, but now more quickly. This makes the facial lines and folds more prominent. A loose jawline can also change the overall appearance of your face. Because it makes the face look duller, these changes can be regarded as advanced signs of skin aging.

What do Experts have to Say?

Dermatologists say that it is impossible to avoid aging, but we can certainly avoid premature aging or early aging. For that, all we need is to follow a balanced diet and lead a healthy life. Well, anti-aging products are also available in the market, but you should know how effective they are. And, also, which product will be just right for your skin.

Experts believe that damaged tissues can be repaired and improved by eating vitamin-rich foods, drinking enough water, and using effective anti-aging products. Our diet is perhaps the most important thing to prevent or heal the signs of early aging.

Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods

There are some foods that are extremely helpful in fighting against the aging process. Let's have look.

1. Pomegranates

Did you know that only half a cup of pomegranate seeds have around 15% of vitamin C that your body needs in a day?! It has antioxidants that can repair skin damage and fight off premature aging. Try to include the best antioxidant-rich foods in your diet. It has an essential nutrient – punicalagin, which can prevent the breakdown of collagen.

2. Mixed Nuts

Several studies have found that regular nut intake can lower the risk of dying from serious health issues like heart disease, cancer, and respiratory problems. You can make a mixture of almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and pistachios and can have them as an evening snack.

3. Blueberries

Not many are aware of the fact that blueberries are considered as a fruit with the highest percentage of antioxidant. They can defend the body from the harmful effects of free radicals and chronic diseases. Per 1 cup of these tiny and delicious berries have vitamin C (14 milligrams) and Vitamin E (0.8 mg).

4. Oatmeal

Eating oats and other fiber-rich foods, such as whole-grain bread can lower the risk of developing several serious diseases like depression, cancer,  respiratory issues,  heart disease, etc. You can prepare instant oatmeal using fruits and plain Greek yogurt. You can even sprinkle oats on a glass of smoothie.

5. Milk

As we age, the bones and muscles become weak, which can lead to numerous health problems. The reason why milk is so beneficial is that it is loaded with 2 wonderful anti-aging nutrients – calcium and protein. Many people don't like to have it because of its taste. If you are one of them, try to make smoothies or shakes using some fruits.

6. Strawberries

Strawberries are often called “the queen of fruits” owing to its high nutritional value. It is not only a healthy food but also an excellent anti-aging food. They are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. Further, the salicylic acid content of strawberries removes dead cells in the skin and also tightens skin pores.

7. Garlic

Garlic is said to prevent strokes and heart disease by slowing down the hardening of the arteries. This herb can be beneficial in preventing cartilage damage and inflammation that is associated with arthritis. It is not only good for your bone health, but also for your skin. Raw garlic is great for wrinkles as it is rich in antioxidants and vital minerals like zinc and selenium. You should know about the sources, benefits and dosage of selenium.

8. Tomatoes

Eating this vegetable (or, technically a fruit) may reduce UV-induced damages, such as wrinkles. This is because tomato has lycopene – a pigment, which gives them the red color. Cooked tomatoes are also great for your skin. As per various studies, our body can easily absorb lycopene from tomato paste in comparison to fresh tomatoes.