Many people are scared of growing old or looking old? For most of them, the latter is of more concern to them. As you grow old, your body would no longer look as young and fresh as it used to. You would then begin to show signs of aging, such as wrinkles and age spots. This is what many people do not want, and they go to great lengths to achieve it, such as having cosmetic surgeries done just to preserve their youthful looks. But such processes are always expensive and have to be maintained, which is not always easy.
You can help yourself by paying attention to your diet. When you start consuming a lot of vibrant foods that are packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, water, and essential nutrients, your body will show its appreciation through its largest organ: the skin. By introducing ‘anti-aging’ foods to your diet, you can help to slow down the aging clock and keep off those aging signs for a while. We would be looking at some of these foods in today’s post.
1. Pawpaw
Pawpaw or papaya is a sweet fruit that is loaded with a range of nutrients that benefit the skin. Eating pawpaw would improve skin elasticity, which would reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other aging lines. It is also rich in antioxidants, which help to remove free radicals from the body. This could help boost the production of collagen, which helps your skin look rejuvenated. Paw paw is one of the best anti-aging fruits in Nigeria.
Pawpaw also contains an enzyme known as papain, which has anti-aging benefits. This enzyme is found in some exfoliating products, which shows how beneficial it is.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Eating sweet potatoes could also make you look youthful for longer. This is because of its properties. Sweet potato has beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that gives it its orangey colour. When eaten, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A which, among other things, helps to improve skin elasticity and promote skin cell turnover.
It is also a source of vitamin C and E, which both help to fight off free radicals, protect the skin from harm, and boost collagen production.
3. Vegetables
Including vegetables in your diet has a lot of benefits, including slowing down the aging process. Vegetables are rich in various nutrients, and the more types of vegetables you eat, the more nutrients you take in. Some vegetables, like spinach and other leafy vegetables, tomatoes, and bell peppers, are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, helps to boost the production of collagen. Make sure that your plate is always well decorated with a vegetable or two whenever you are eating.
4. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is another food you should eat more of to preserve your youthful look. It is a rich source of polyphenols, which act as antioxidants in the body. Studies have shown an improvement in skin elasticity and reduction in facial wrinkles from those who consumed dark chocolate under a specific period compared to those who did not.
5. Avocado
Avocado is a fruit with a lot of health benefits, including preserving your youthful look. Avocado is rich in anti-inflammatory fatty acids that promote smooth and healthy skin. It is also rich in Vitamin A, C, E and K, which helps with the shed of dead skin cells, leaving us with glowing skin. It is a great source of other vitamins and minerals that benefit the skin in one way or the other.
6. Red Bell Pepper (Tatashe)
Red Bell pepper is a popular type of pepper. It is called Tatashe in Nigeria. Red bell peppers are supremely packed with antioxidants which helps the skin when it comes to anti-aging. They are also very rich in vitamin C and carotenoids that prevent sun damage and keeps your skin looking radiant.
7. Almonds
Almonds are one of the numerous healthy nuts in Nigeria. Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, which can help in repairing skin tissue, retaining skin moisture, and protecting skin from damaging UV rays.
