Do you know about anti-aging foods? Here's a list of them that help protect and extend your skin’s youth, plus some ideas for delectable recipes you can savor to your heart’s content!
Antioxidants
We hear a lot about them, but what are they?
Antioxidants are your weapon against free radicals that cause skin to become less firm and supple. Your body produces them naturally, but we're sorry to say not enough to fend off the signs of aging. Don’t panic! You can kick-start production through your diet!
Here’s a quick overview of antioxidant foods you can eat to help keep your skin supple!
The Vitamin Force
Vitamins are the antioxidant heroes and the most well known.
Vitamin A to help cell regeneration. It boosts collagen and is found in sweet potatoes, red peppers, avocados and broccoli.
Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis as it fights free radicals to make skin firmer and more radiant. Long live black currants, kiwi fruits, grapefruits, oranges and clementines!
The power trio of vitamin A, C, and E naturally help defend your skin against dangerous UVB rays. Vitamin E can be found in sunflower oil, almonds (nuts), salmon and eggs.
These vitamins are essential for keeping your skin beautiful and supple. They're a real anti-aging cocktail!
The Polyphenols Force
These plant molecules are antioxidants that also boast anti-inflammatory powers. Where can you find them? In grapes and red fruits like strawberries and raspberries, as well as in tea and chocolate! For example, berries are rich in polyphenols (and therefore antioxidants) and help slow down the appearance of wrinkles.
Remember: Prioritize fresh, seasonal and organic so you can take full advantage of the nutrients and anti-aging benefits of these foods!
The Zinc and Selenium Duo
Also a member of the antioxidant family, this pair helps the body battle oxidative stress!
Foods highest in selenium are mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, fish and seafood. It helps repair DNA damage.
Zinc is found in seafood as well, but also in whole grain bread, egg yolks and beef. In addition to its antioxidant power, it helps wounds heal and aids with skin disorders like psoriasis.
Recipe ideas for filling up on antioxidants!
Ease into breakfast
Plain oatmeal doesn’t sound very appetizing, does it? Add a few goji berries and cranberries, some walnuts for the vitamin E and a tablespoon of flax seeds to moisturize and firm up your skin. On the side, have a little almond milk and green tea lightly sweetened with some agave syrup!
What's for lunch?
Tomatoes, of course. They're rich in vitamin C, E and beta carotene. Have them with some mozzarella cheese. Then get a dose of vitamin C (and B!): chicken with peppers and garlic. In the mood for some polyphenols? Well then, top off the meal with a few berries!
No-fuss dinner
It's easier for the body to absorb the antioxidants in salad greens if they are eaten with some oil – olive oil, for example! Scrambled eggs and a little broccoli for the vitamin E and a slice of smoked salmon. And not only is a half container of raspberries a nice treat full of vitamin C, it's also good for the skin because it delivers the nutrients it needs to stay firm and radiant!
Tell us below which antioxidant food is your fave!