Top 5 Foods That Can Help Slow the Aging Process Naturally
Can you slow the aging process naturally by eating certain foods? The latest scientific research says yes. As we age, our skin undergoes several changes that can leave it looking dry, wrinkled, and saggy. However, according to a recent study published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), there is a definitive link between certain “superfoods” and how well your skin ages.
The Aging Process: Skin Changes That Come With Age
For many seniors, maintaining a youthful appearance is a challenging aspect of growing older, particularly when it comes to skin health and vitality. Our skin is effected by many internal and external factors, such as sun exposure, tobacco smoking, and bad eating habits.
As we grow older, our skin:
- Loses its elasticity, causing it to sag
- Becomes rough, dry, fragile, or transparent
- Bruises easily due to thinning blood vessels
- May develop liver spots, lesions, or benign tumors
Other factors that contribute to aging of the skin include stress levels, gravity, facial expressions, obesity, and even sleep positions. Choosing the right foods may help slow the aging process naturally by providing nutrition that supports cell regeneration for smooth, radiant skin.
Slow the Aging Process Naturally with These 5 Foods
Fatty fish: Omega-3 fatty acids from tuna, mackerel, salmon, and sardines can plump up the walls of saggy skin cells, making them bouncy and youthful again. For seniors, aim for at least 1,100 to 1,600 milligrams of omega-3s daily, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
Sauerkraut: fermented foods like sauerkraut promote good bacteria in the gut, which in turn promotes radiant, wrinkle-free skin. This is because good gut bacteria supplies nutrients from the foods you eat to your skin cells. To improve skin health, eat fermented foods like kimchee and sauerkraut. Be sure to buy refrigerated brands, as they contain the most live bacteria.
Blueberries: Berries of all types are packed with skin-loving antioxidants, but some research shows blueberries may be especially beneficial, as they contain high amounts of flavonoids that can help lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel function, and protects your skin from the damaging rays of the sun, which is the primary cause of wrinkles.
Spinach: Spinach contains high levels of phytoceramides, which occur naturally in the skin and help keep it moist and hydrated. In fact, phytoceramides are so powerful, the FDA recently approved them in supplement form to heal dry, rough, and wrinkly skin. Add raw spinach leaves daily to your salad, omelet or pizza to slow the aging process naturally and promote radiant, youthful skin.
Dark chocolate: Almost too good to be true, this delicious food choice is one that many seniors will be happy to adopt. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, consuming dark chocolate that is at least 70 percent cocoa can improve your skin’s moisture levels, protect it from sun damage, and help diminish wrinkles.
No matter what your age, it’s never too late to adopt good eating habits. Nutritious superfoods like the ones on our list are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein, and fiber that will benefit your overall health, including your skin.
The acclaimed chefs at Grand Oaks of Palm City create healthy meals based on the specific nutritional needs of seniors without compromising taste. Our residents are also encouraged to contribute to their dining experience by submitting special requests to the community chef.
For more information or to take a tour of our community, call 772-324-5024 today.
