Healthy Youthful skin at 40

 

So you want to look younger? It might sound impossible, but there are foods out there that can make you look younger if eaten regularly. Foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins can help protect your skin from the signs of aging and even reverse the process in some cases. Here are the top ten foods that will help you look younger.

Berries.

Brightly colored berries contain powerful antioxidants that help fight off free radicals that can damage skin cells and accelerate signs of aging. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are all good choices. Vitamin C also protects against sun damage, so eat up! Start your day with a fresh-fruit smoothie or whip up a berry salad for lunch. Try to add some berries to each meal throughout your day. While it’s not a bad idea to load up on these healthy fruits, don’t forget about getting enough other nutrients as well. Fruits do have calories and they don’t provide any protein, so make sure you pair them with foods like nuts or cheese that will give you more balanced nutrition. It’s important to eat a variety of fruits in addition to vegetables every day because different vitamins and minerals are needed by our bodies at different times during the day. For example, oranges provide vitamin C in the morning while cantaloupe is rich in potassium at night.

Fish.

Fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to decrease inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation slows down skin renewal and can accelerate signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. By eating fish at least twice a week you can maintain healthy levels of essential fatty acids in your body. A diet rich in salmon, herring, tuna, mackerel, or sardines can give you that youthful glow you’ve always wanted. When it comes to oils, flaxseed oil is also an excellent choice as it contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—the two types of essential fats. Flaxseed oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help keep your skin clear and bright.

Nuts.

Yes, I’m talking about nuts. If you regularly consume cashews, peanuts, almonds, and walnuts (all rich in omega-3 fatty acids), you may benefit from a reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Eating pistachios has also been associated with improved cholesterol levels, but not as much as walnuts. And while they’re known for being high in fat and calories, a handful (one ounce) packs enough protein to keep you feeling full until your next meal! As if that wasn’t enough reason to reach for them, research suggests that eating nuts can help reduce wrinkles. In one study published in The Journal of Nutrition, women who ate 30 grams per day—about 11⁄2 ounces—of tree nuts had smoother skin than those who didn't eat any at all. Walnuts have been shown to increase skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production, so there's no reason why you can't include them on your plate each night. Just be sure to go easy on portion sizes: one or two halves is plenty; three halves is a snack; four halves is too many.

Avocados

This fruit is not only a delicious, low-calorie addition to your diet, but it’s also rich in vitamin E. Some dermatologists believe that applying vitamin E oil to your skin can help reduce inflammation and slow down fine lines and wrinkles. Avocados also have plenty of potassium, which helps rid your body of toxins and excess water weight. Now that’s saying something when you consider how much avocado toast we consume each year! So put some guacamole on those eggs, or whip up a fresh batch of guacamole as an appetizer for your next party. The beta-carotene found in carrots will do wonders for keeping away acne and fighting off sun damage (you know those little spots that appear on your face when you spend too much time outdoors?). Carrots are high in fiber and great at giving you lasting energy without making you feel weighed down by heavy carbohydrates or fat.

Eggs.

Like most high-protein foods, eggs are full of amino acids, which promote cell regeneration. When you eat foods with a high protein count, your body breaks them down into amino acids for absorption. While some amino acids can’t be used by your body and instead are excreted, those that make it through your digestive tract create fresh new cells for your organs to work more efficiently. And because all parts of an egg—yolk, white, and shell—contain proteins, eating eggs regularly can help keep your skin looking young. One study found that people who ate two or three eggs daily experienced a less age-related decline in their skin than people who didn't eat eggs at all! Eggs also contain vitamin A (in the yolk) and lutein (in both yolk and whites), both essential nutrients for healthy skin. Try adding an egg or two to smoothies or omelets every day!

Just by adding these food items to your diet on daily basis, you can get young-looking skin within a few days.