Top 10 Foods to Slow Down the Signs of Ageing

Beautiful, glowing skin starts with how we eat, but these anti-aging foods can also help with more than that.

Researchers have even concluded that eating fruits and veggies is the safest and healthiest way to combat dull complexions and fine lines.

When we pack our diet with vibrant foods loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, water, and essential nutrients, our body will show its appreciation through its largest organ: our skin.

If you eat the right foods your skin will glow from within – which in the long run means less make-up and treatments needed.

Ready to glow?

Here are 10 of the best anti-aging foods to nourish your body for a glow that comes from within.

1. Watercress

Watercress acts as an internal skin antiseptic and increases the circulation and delivery of minerals to all cells of the body, resulting in enhanced oxygenation of the skin.

The antioxidants in watercress may neutralize harmful free radicals, helping to keep fine lines and wrinkles away.

This nutrient-dense hydrating leafy green is a great source of calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, K, B-1, and B-2.

To try: Add a handful of this flavorful green to your salad today for glowing skin and overall improved health!

2. Red bell pepper

Red bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants which reign supreme when it comes to anti-aging.

In addition to their high content of vitamin C — which is good for collagen production — red bell peppers contain powerful antioxidants called carotenoids.

They have a variety of anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect skin from sun damage, pollution, and environmental toxins.

To try: Slice bell peppers and dip them in hummus as a snack, add them into a raw salad, or cook them up in a stir-fry.

3. Papaya

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which provides additional anti-aging benefits by working as one of nature’s best anti-inflammatory agents. So yes, eating papaya may help your body shed dead skin cells, leaving you with glowing, vibrant skin!

The wide range of antioxidants in papaya helps to fight free radical damage and may delay signs of aging.

This delicious superfood is rich in a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that may help to improve skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

These include: vitamins A, C, K, and E, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins

To try: Drizzle fresh lime juice over a big plate of papaya as part of your breakfast or make a papaya mask at home for your next night in!

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as an age-defying antioxidant called anthocyanin.

These powerful antioxidants may help protect skin from damage due to the sun, stress, and pollution by moderating the inflammatory response and preventing collagen loss.

To try: Throw this delicious, low-sugar fruit into a morning smoothie or fruit bowl, and let it provide a beautifying punch!

5. Broccoli

Broccoli is an anti-inflammatory, anti-aging powerhouse packed with: vitamins C and K, a variety of antioxidants, fiber, folate, lutein, calcium

Your body needs vitamin C for the production of collagen, the main protein in the skin that gives it strength and elasticity.

To try: You can eat broccoli raw for a quick snack, but if you have the time, gently steam it before eating. From charred bites to pesto sauces, cooking broccoli actually helps release more health benefits for your body.

[RELATED: The Best Broccoli Salad]

6. Spinach

Spinach is super hydrating and packed with antioxidants that help to oxygenate and replenish the entire body. This versatile leafy green’s high vitamin C content enhances collagen production to keep skin firm and smooth.

The vitamin A it provides may promote strong, shiny hair, while vitamin K has been shown to help reduce inflammation in cells.

It’s also rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, magnesium, plant-based heme iron, and lutein.

To try: Add handfuls of spinach to a smoothie, salad, or sauté.

7. Nuts

Many nuts (especially almonds) are a great source of vitamin E, which may help repair skin tissue, retain skin moisture, and protect skin from damaging UV rays.

Walnuts even contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that may help: strengthen skin cell membranes, protect against sun damage, and give skin a beautiful glow by preserving its natural oil barrier

EATING NUTS IS LINKED TO:
• reduced risk for heart disease (walnuts) and type 2 diabetes (pistachios)
•potential prevention of cognitive decline in older adults (almonds)

To try: Sprinkle a mix of nuts on top of your salads, or eat a handful as a snack. Don’t remove the skin, either, as studies show that 50 percent or more of the antioxidants are lost without the skin.

8. Avocado

Avocados are high in inflammation-fighting fatty acids that promote smooth, supple skin.

The high content of vitamin A in avocados can help us shed dead skin cells, leaving us with gorgeous, glowing skin.

Their carotenoid content may also assist in blocking toxins and damage from the sun’s rays and also help to protect against skin cancers.

They also contain a variety of essential nutrients that may prevent the negative effects of aging, including vitamins K, C, E, and A, B vitamins, potassium

To try: Throw some avocado into a salad, or smoothie, or just eat it with a spoon. You can also try it topically as an incredible moisturizing mask to fight inflammation, reduce redness, and help prevent wrinkles!

9. Sweet potatoes

The orange color of the sweet potato comes from an antioxidant called beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A.

Vitamin A may help restore skin elasticity, promote skin cell turnover, and ultimately contribute to soft, youthful-looking skin.

This delicious root vegetable is also a great source of vitamins C and E — both of which may protect our skin from harmful free radicals and keep our complexion radiant.

To try: Whip up one of these sweet potato toast recipes that will up your breakfast or snack game like no other.

10. Pomegranate seeds

Pomegranates have been used for centuries as a healing medicinal fruit.

High in vitamin C and a variety of potent antioxidants, pomegranates may protect our body from free radical damage and reduce levels of inflammation in our system.

These healthy fruits also contain a compound called punicalagins, which may help to preserve collagen in the skin, slowing signs of aging.

To try: Sprinkle these sweet little jewels onto a baby spinach walnut salad for an anti-aging treat!

By nourishing ourselves with these anti-aging foods, we can gain fuel to look and feel our best. If you’re looking for more delicious plants to try, choose fruits and vegetables deep in color.

The rich shades are usually a sign of stronger radical fighting abilities to keep your skin healthy and vibrant.

It’s time to slow down signs of aging and truly glow from within!

Mums, how many of the foods above do you eat daily or weekly?

Comment below to let us know x