Eat These 7 Foods to Look Years Younger
We inject, lather, scrub, gulp, and zap to stay young, but it's what goes into our body that's most important. We chatted with Junelle Lupiani, R.D., Nutritionist at Miraval Resort Spa in Tucson to find out which foods are the best anti-agers.
Botox, once referred to as the end-all, be-all of anti-aging skincare, has become a dinosaur amid the high-technology treatments now available to aging consumers. From $500 creams to $2,000 laser treatments, there are a variety of options for those looking for the verified fountain of youth. And while we certainly can't turn back time to erase wrinkles and eliminate under-eye bags, we can start to reduce aging's side effects by starting at the source: your diet. These expert-recommended foods are more than just antioxidants — they make aging more gentle on the body and brain, and that's something you can't buy as a serum.
Eat more deep greens and seeds. These foods are high sources of calcium and are a good plant alternative to dairy. Teeth are comprised of bone and we are aware of the importance of bone preservation during the aging process, so add lots of sesame seeds and dark greens to your lunch salad.
Have some Asian mushrooms. These fungi improve blood circulation which plays a big role in skin health, as well as blood pressure. So add lots of shiitake, enoki, and maitake to your vegetable mixes.
Drink matcha tea. Components within this potent source of green tea called catechin-polyphenols have been shown to have a powerful antioxidant effect.
Eat more curry. The main component in curry is the root turmeric which has been shown to contain over two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds — they aid in the reduction of joint inflammation and reduce risk of age-related memory loss.
Dark chocolate keeps cells healthy. This yummy treat houses a high dose of anti-oxidants. A daily one-ounce serving of a dark chocolate containing 70% or higher cacao content is another great way to keep skin vibrant.
Spice it up. Chili peppers contain lots of carotenoids and vitamin C, both of which are involved in a healthy skin matrix (translation: the sturdy structure that holds skin cells together). So cook with more hot peppers or order more spicy Thai or Mediterranean take out.
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Eat some beans, daily. A daily dose of about 1/2 cup of dried beans contains many nutrients that help keep your overall system healthy. Things like protein, minerals and vitamins (especially B vitamins) are plentiful in beans, so sub out the poultry or beef for a nice dose of beans each day. Your entire body will be happy you did.