Aging is an inevitable process, where our skin starts showing symptoms like wrinkles, sagging of skin and age spots. Generally, it is due to various factors, external as well as internal. Young and beautiful skin is a representative of our nutritional status.
Source:thecompleteherbalguide.com
Internally, our genetic composition, include DNA damage which includes the reduction in the size of Telomere.
And externally UV rays, extreme climate conditions, lifestyle factors and poor eating habits have been found responsible.
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Though it’s a natural process which is bound to happen, it can be certainly delayed by controlling and maintaining certain factors.
There are foods which have been found to have the ability to delay the sign of ageing due to their amazing anti-aging properties.
There are certain foods rich in certain compounds like antioxidants, polyphenols, which help in reducing oxidative damage.
There are foods categorized as functional food which helps in delaying the aging process.
Health industry and the cosmetic industry is booming with the healthcare supplements which include phenols, polyphenols, anthocyanins, Vit C, Vit A, Vit E and other potent sources which claims to have an extraordinary quality to maintain our nutrition levels and preserve good health.
All these nutrient-rich food have been found to retain antiageing property and categorized as the functional foods.
Let’s have a look.
Vit C
One of the most potent antioxidants, known about it’s scavenging properties. It’s the water-soluble vitamin and is not synthesized within the body, so it needs to be replenished from time to time to prevent its deficiency.
The requirement for Vit C for adults is 40 mg as per the RDA.
How it works
It is an important cofactor in stabilizing the collagen layer, and its deficiency not only impairs collagen synthesis, also is responsible for the split end of hair and keratosis and on the other hand if present in sufficient amount Vit C increases iron and selenium bioavailability.
Though nutri-cosmetics products have been proved to be the free radical scavenger its always suggested to include certain foods in the diet.
Fruits and vegetables Like
Amla, citrus fruits, chili peppers, fruits like Guava, Bell Peppers, Papaya, Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, Cauliflower, Broccoli, and kiwi.
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Do include some of the fruits in your breakfast smoothie and some of them in your salad part.
Amla is considered as high in Vit C.
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Avocado
Commonly known as butter fruit, this miraculous fruit possesses the extraordinary quality to improve skin texture.
As this is rich in Vit E and healthy fats which are essential for cell renewal. It’s magnificent in good fats, so vitamins A and D are known to restore the skin health and is responsible for the delay in aging.
How it works
Researches have shown that avocado is rich in xanthophyll. An antioxidant which is responsible for protecting DNA damage and skin restoration.
Avocado has lutein and zeaxanthin, which is abundantly present in it and is found responsible for UV protection. Lutein has proved to have the photoprotective ability.
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Studies say that type of the fat present in avocado is the monounsaturated type which is beneficial for heart problems too.
Apart from the fruit, its oil can be used, as it boosts the collagen production in the body.
Wheat Germ
Wheat germ and its oil is the potential source of Vit E, Vit E is known for its property to protect skin.
How it works
Vit E is the group of vitamins known as Tocopherols, they stabilize the cell membrane and maintain its structure.
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Other sources of Vit E are.
Soybean oil
Sunflower oil
Safflower oil
Nuts and Seeds
The natural intake of Vit E through diet and other sources have been found effective in collagen cross-linking and peroxidation of lipids.
Other rich sources like almonds, almond oil, avocado, spinach.
Tomato
Tomato is one of the most abundant sources of lycopene. Lycopene is the bright red color carotene and polyphenol, possess antioxidant properties.
How it works
Its known to save skin from UV light damage also it changes the skin texture. Lycopene increases the basal defense system of the skin against UV rays hence protect the skin against sunburn.
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Cocoa contains flavonols, which are anti-inflammatory and helps in relieving damage from the UV rays.
How it works
Cocoa maintains hydration and increases dermal blood flow, which in turn leads to maximum blood flow to the skin and provides sufficient nourishment.
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