10 Plant-Based Anti-Aging Foods

February 4, 2012
10 Plant-Based Anti-Aging Foods




Who wants to look their age? Most people want to look years younger than they are and are always striving towards it going into strange diets, getting help of surgery and taking jabs of botox and dermal fillers. But all it takes is natural foods.

Studies have shown that people who eat mostly plant-based foods look younger than their real physical age. And if that is true, it sure makes sense to include plant-based, anti-aging foods in our daily diet to get that ageless, young skin and delay the inevitable effects of natural aging by improving skin elasticity and thereby staving off wrinkles.

Nutritionist Deepshikha Aggarwal says, "There are certain foods that are rich in Vitamin E, which when included in our daily diet, can help improve the texture of skin and it's elasticity." Deepshikha says that avocados, walnuts, sesame seeds, olive or olive oil are rich in Vitamin E. Clinical nutritionist Dr Nupur Krishnan adds, "Eating a diet that is rich in colourful fruits and veggies, can help protect against skin aging." Tomatoes, red bell pepper and all citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes and bright orange vegetables have carotenoids and all these should be included in your diet advises Dr Nupur.

Deepshikha says, "Apart from this, avoiding caffeine products can help control melanin production. Sipping on green tea is a better idea."

Here is a list of some anti-aging foods:

1. Almonds

Since ages almonds have been considered as an anti-aging food because of the high content of Vitamin E. It is great for healthy skin, hair and nails. The body needs Vitamin E to protect the cells from the onslaught of free radicals generated by air pollution, peroxides and ultra violet rays. Experts say that eating around a dozen almonds daily will help.

2. Walnuts

Walnuts are a rich source of Vitamin E and having a handful can help your skin look great.

3. Cucumber

These are excellent as anti-aging food and improve tired and dehydrated skin. The high water content and high amounts of silica present helps to get a smooth and glowing skin.

4. Avocados

They are also known as nature's best moisturisers and are loaded with anti-aging nutrients such as Vitamin C and E, and Omega 3 fatty acids. Though a medium-size avocado has 30 grams of fat, all of it is healthy mono-saturated fats that lower cholesterol and protect the heart. Deepshikha says, "Eating avocados can help stave off wrinkles and keep your skin looking soft and supple, because of the Vitamin E that helps to get your skin glowing."

5. Sesame

This is another rich source of Vitamin E

6. Berries

Deepshikha Aggarwal says, "Antioxidants that are present in berries such as blueberries, and cranberries and in strawberry, can help keep you skin vibrant and glowing." The canned cranberry juice works for your skin.

Eat one to two cups of blueberries a day for your daily 'dose' of anthocyanin, an anti-aging antioxidant that increases the potency of Vitamin C.

7. Green tea

This is a very healthy substitute for caffeine drinks and are packed with anti-oxidants.

8. Aloe Vera juice

Aloe vera juice is excellent if you want younger-looking skin says Deepshikha and adds, "Have 30 ml aloe vera juice diluted with 100 ml water early morning on empty stomach. And after 20-30 minutes you can have your regular breakfast."

9. Sunflower seeds

This in another remarkable anti-aging food and a Vitamin E and selenium powerhouse with very effective youth-enhancing qualities.

Eating a handful of sunflower seeds daily will help you look younger, stave off wrinkles and improve skin elasticity because it is extremely rich in Vitamin E.

10. Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts are a very rich source of selenium, a mineral that works very well with Vitamin E to stop oxidative stress and cell damage caused by free radicals; thus, slowing down the aging process. But should be eaten in moderation (two nuts a day) because of its high fat content.