What we eat may be more important to the health of our skin than what creams we put on our skin. Are there anti aging wrinkle foods to keep us looking younger?
Topical skin creams containing antioxidants like vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, green tea extracts, and retinol have been shown to limit skin damage to sun exposure. Eating foods that contain these nutrients can also protect and limit damage to sun-exposed skin. So healthy foods can be truly be thought of as anti aging wrinkle preventers.
A study out of Australia published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition looked at the effects of the consumption of different foods and nutrients on damage to sun-exposed skin. Foods that were associated with less skin damage and those associated with more skin damage are listed below. The results are probably not too surprising as the anti aging wrinkle foods are similar to heart-healthy and brain healthy foods.
Anti Aging Wrinkle Foods
- Olive oil and other monounsaturated fats
- High intake of vegetables (especially green leafy vegetables, and onions, garlic, asparagus, and celery)
- Fish
- Legumes
- Fruits (especially apples and berries of all sorts)
- Nuts
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Tea and water
Wrinkle Stimulating Foods (avoid these)
- Butter and margarine
- Full-fat milk and other dairy products except skim milk and yogurt
- Red meat especially processed meats
- Sugars and products containing sugar
- Soft drinks
Nutrients Associated with Healthier Skin
- Monounsaturated fats (olive oil)
- Vitamin C
- Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc
- Retinol
Many of the anti-wrinkle foods are high in antioxidants. Skin is very sensitive to damage caused by free radicals and antioxidants neutralize free radicals. See “Free Radical Theory of Aging“.
Interesting smoking was not shown in this study to be associated with wrinkling perhaps because smokers in the study also consumed a high amount of vegetables and therefore had high intakes of antioxidants. But, to be sure many other studies have shown smoking to accelerate skin aging. So don’t smoke and quit if you already do.
Don’t forget about water since water makes up most of our body. Water keeps skin hydrated (unless you live in Europe which now states that drinking water does not prevent hydration) and helps to remove toxins through sweat and improved circulation.
Of course skin creams can help maintain healthy skin. To learn more about the best anti wrinkle cream for you there plenty of reviews of skin care products you can find online.
Eat Well – Look Well!
See related articles.
“Anti Aging Secrets: Eat Colorful Foods”
“5 Super Star Anti Aging Foods”
“Boost Your Health with Probiotics”
