You are what you eat — literally. Three months from now, all of your cells will all have died and been replaced, and the foods you eat are the building blocks your body will use to create those new cells. Can you influence your future appearance by putting the right nutrients into your body today? Of course! Focus on these foods to help you fight the march of time.
Munch on a mango
When it comes to the turnover of cells, vitamins A and C are your best friends. Mangos have plenty of both, to help your skin stay smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking. Mango has been used for centuries as a healing agent in Asia and India and is often used in lotions and cleansers to soften and brighten the skin. Eating the fruit gives lots of antioxidant protection against aging in general, and for the skin in particular. Papaya, sweet potato, and peppers are other sources of vitamins A and C.
Crack a nut for wrinkle reduction
Omega-3 fatty acids are highly moisturizing to the skin, and may even help plump up wrinkles. Walnuts are particularly high in Omega-3 acids, so try to include them in your diet regularly. When you’re snacking on fruit or yogurt, add a handful of nuts to help you stay full longer and get those Omega 3 benefits. Flaxseed is another excellent source of this nutrient; you can sprinkle freshly ground flaxseed on a salad or stir it into yogurt to boost your Omega-3 consumption.
Melt some mozzarella
High-calcium foods cause an increase in saliva flow, and saliva helps fight the bacteria that can turn teeth yellow. At the same time, your body uses calcium to build durable tooth enamel. Maintaining whiter, brighter, healthier teeth is one of the keys to looking younger. A bright, confident smile takes years off your face. Calcium also helps prevent osteoporosis, a debilitating illness that can lead to stooped posture and painful fractures. Mozzarella and other low-fat sources of calcium are an essential part of your anti-aging diet.
Turn off UV radiation with tomatoes
Lycopene, which is found abundantly in tomatoes, is a well-known cancer-fighting nutrient. But did you know Lycopene also protects against damaging ultraviolet light from the sun? A 2008 British study discovered that people who ate tomato paste had 33 percent more sun protection than those who did not. Protecting your skin from the sun’s radiation is generally cited as the best way to prevent wrinkles. For the best protection, cook your tomatoes into sauces, stews, and soups.
Fill up on flavonoids
Blackberries are an excellent source of flavonoids and make a terrific addition to salads, yogurt, and fruit bowls. What is a flavonoid? It’s a nutrient that has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids help fight spider veins and corrects damage from UV radiation. But quercetin, the type of flavonoid found specifically in blackberries, also boosts collagen production, helping your skin retain its elasticity. Quercetin, which has rejuvenated dying skin cells in the laboratory, is also present in apples, red wine, other types of berries, and grapefruit.
Eat your colors
If you consider that scientists are only beginning to discover all the magical phytochemicals that occur in plants, you’ll see why it’s a good idea to eat a wide variety of plant-based foods each day. Some of the compounds that help improve health and fight aging, like flavonoids and lycopene, are also responsible for giving bright colors to fruits and vegetables. So, choose plant-based foods with the most vivid colors, in a full range, and you can’t go wrong.
You can’t stop time, but you can slow down its effects on your body and appearance. A healthy diet, combined with moderate exercise, will help to keep you looking and feeling vibrant as you age.