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- Want To Age Backwards? Eat These 12 Anti-Aging Foods That Support Longevity And A Healthy Complexion: Pomegranates, More (shefinds.com)
Want to fight the effects of aging? Skip the expensive creams and head to the grocery store!
While food can’t literally turn back the clock, a balanced diet packed with the right nutrients can do wonders for your skin and overall health. Certain foods are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that combat cellular aging, protect against oxidative stress (caused by free radicals), and even boost collagen production for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Here are twelve foods that can help you look and feel your best:
- Blueberries: These little berries are packed with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, and vitamin C, which help neutralize free radicals and improve skin health. Bonus: they’ve also been linked to improved memory and cognitive function!
- Spinach: This leafy green is a powerhouse of nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins C and A. These compounds protect your eyes and brain from oxidative stress, while its high water content helps keep your skin hydrated.
- Walnuts: Boost your brainpower with walnuts! They contain omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamin E, magnesium, and L-arginine, which support brain health, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Drizzle this healthy oil on your salad or bread to benefit from its rich polyphenol content. EVOO protects your cells from oxidative stress, while its vitamin E and healthy fats promote glowing skin and collagen production.
- Tomatoes: The antioxidant lycopene in tomatoes protects your skin from damaging UV rays. Tomatoes also contain vitamin C, which aids collagen production and fights inflammation.
- Green Tea: Sip your way to younger-looking skin with green tea.
Its catechins, especially EGCG, fight free radicals and help preserve telomere length, associated with youth and health. L-theanine in green tea also improves focus, memory, and calmness.
- Avocados: The monounsaturated fats in avocados contribute to smooth, hydrated skin. Vitamins C and E further enhance skin health by boosting collagen and protecting against dryness and sun damage.
- Sweet Potatoes: These tasty tubers offer a combination of fiber, beta carotene, and vitamins A and C, supporting healthy digestion and protecting your skin, brain, gut, and immune system.
- Pomegranates: This unique fruit contains ellagitannins, which convert to urolithin A in the gut. Urolithin A helps repair and regenerate mitochondria, preserve muscle function, and boost cellular energy.
- Garlic: Garlic’s allicin, selenium, and vitamin C protect cells from oxidative stress and promote collagen production.
- Dark Chocolate (70% cacao or higher): Indulge in a little dark chocolate! Its antioxidants, fiber, and flavonoids increase blood flow to the brain, supporting cognitive health.
- Red Grapes: Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant in red grapes, fights free radicals and protects against premature aging. Polyphenols in grapes also protect DNA, and they’re a good source of vitamin C.