Antioxidants play an important role in human health, when it comes to anti aging. They help the body to fight the aging effects of free radicals, through a process referred to as oxidization. Basically free radicals are unpaired, unstable molecules, formed by several natural processes within our body, which seek other molecules to stabilize themselves, and trigger a domino effect of unstable molecules within the body which eventually leads to change in cells' DNA and damages the skin. Therefore the best method to tackle free radicals and their hazards is to stick to a proper diet with a decent share of anti foods.
List of Anti Aging Foods Beneficial for Skin
Avocado: Avocados contains significant amount of vitamin E, which prevents aging and thus helps in maintaining a healthy glowing skin. The monounsaturated fat present in avocado helps to reduce the amount of toxins and bad cholesterol in the body. The fruit is also used in facial mask and hair conditioner preparations.
Berries: Various varieties of berries, ranging from blackberries and blueberries to raspberries and strawberries, are rich in flavonoids. These flavonoids are powerful antioxidants, which help in protecting the body and skin from free radicals and natural aging.
Broccoli: Broccoli, as well as broccoli sprouts, are rich in antioxidants such as quercetin and isothiocyanates, which help in tackling the damage caused by free radicals. In fact, broccoli sprouts has 30 times more isothiocyanates than regular broccoli.
Beans: Beans, such as black soybeans and black beans, are rich in anthocyanin, a water soluble pigment, related to flavonoids which helps to curb aging and neurological diseases. In fact, soybeans also contain isoflavones which are rich in anti-aging properties.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip and radish, are rich in vitamins and fiber, which help the body to fight against toxins and cancer. They are also high in vitamin C which helps the formation of skin rejuvenators - elastin and collagen.
Garlic: Garlic is yet another herb having several health benefits. It is an effective anti-inflammatory agent which combines to remove heavy metals from the body and thus helps in keeping the skin healthy and ever glowing.
Green Tea: This may come as a surprise for many, but green tea is one of the best anti aging foods for skin. Green tea, is rich in catechins, the tannic acid, which acts as an antioxidant and helps to keep the skin healthy and beautiful.
Nuts: Nuts contain significant amounts of good fat, antioxidants and minerals. Adding nuts to your daily diet will not just help you to have a healthy skin, but will also boost up your immune system and help you in fighting various diseases.
Root Vegetables: Yellow and orange root vegetables, such as carrots, root potatoes and squash, are rich in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, also referred to as super-antioxidant, is beneficial for skin as well as the eyes.
Salmon: Salmons are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high quality protein which are beneficial for the skin. Studies reveal that including salmon in your diet, at least thrice a week, helps you to stay healthy and sport a beautiful skin.
Spinach: Spinach is rich in lutein, an antioxidant which helps in keeping the skin healthy. It facilitates skin hydration, and eventually gives the skin a glow making it look younger and beautiful.
Tomato: Lycopene present in tomatoes is a powerful weapon used by the body to fight free radicals. It doesn't just help in neutralizing free radicals but helps in tackling sun induced aging as well.
Watermelon: One of the most effective anti-aging foods for healthy skin, watermelon contains a long list of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, essential fats and zinc, which help in fighting free radical damage and skin aging.
Wine: Wine is yet another potent antioxidant which is considered ideal for skin health. Like green tea, wines contains catechins as well as resveratrol, a phytoalexin with significant anti-aging properties.
Water: Last, but the most important component of anti aging diet for skin is water. It's important to keep yourself hydrated all the time. Water helps in getting rid of the toxins and unwanted waste materials which are either ingested or produced within the body. It is recommended to have at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.
Other than including these food items in your daily diet, you will also have to cut down on sugars and unsaturated fats, in order to live a healthy life. Refined foods and sugars tend to increase free radical activity, and therefore are best avoided. So, resorting to anti aging foods which are rich in antioxidants and staying away from refined foods will help you live a healthy life, and look young and beautiful!
