10 Anti-Aging Foods to Erase Lines, Wrinkles, Increase Skin Glow

Sheetal Rawal, Founder, Apsara Skin Care

Left: Sheetal Rawal, scientist (human genetics) & founder of Apsara Skin Care

By: Marty S.

We’ve all been there before: you’re exhausted after a long day of work and you’ve carved a little time for yourself. You take a much-needed shower, but before you start a new anti-aging skin care ritual you say to yourself, “I just can’t right now.” That is completely fine. Not all of us have the luxury of time every day to do everything we intend to do. Those masks and serums can wait until the weekend.

However, while we cannot control how much time and energy we have at the end of the day, we can control our diet. Eating the right foods has the same effect as using a clay mask for radiant skin. Over time, eating healthier food can lead to a more youthful appearance. Here are ten anti-aging superfoods that I think are worth spotlighting.

1. Blueberries for Youthful Skin

Blueberries contain one of the highest amounts of antioxidants among other berries - such as strawberries and blackberries - as well as among other foods in the world. These

Blueberries for anti-aging diet

antioxidants - specifically Vitamin C, flavonoids, and anthocyanins - are key against the anti-aging process because they fight free radicals in your body; left unchecked, free radicals do harmful damage to your cells and DNA. Blueberries also have anti-inflammatory properties, which will restore your skin to a more youthful state. When you are in the market for blueberries, always look for ones with darker hues because those have more anthocyanins and thus more antioxidants than those with lighter hues. Blueberries are excellent to eat by themselves, or you can blend a cup of blueberries with a few of your favorite fruits to create a delicious blueberry smoothie.

2. Pomegranates to Turn Your Body Into a Paragon of Youth

Mitochondria: it’s the powerhouse of the cell. They supply the energy needed for cells to perform various functions, but they themselves do not last forever. When they are breaking down, mitochondria become weaker and less efficient, which is detrimental to the body. However, there is a molecule called urolithin A that makes the cleanup process faster and thus allows for faster cell renewal; without adequate cell renewal, our skin is more prone to age spots and roughness. Urolithin A is primarily derived from pomegranates. This, along with a large volume of antioxidants (in the form of Vitamin C, catechins, and anthocyanins), makes pomegranates an excellent choice to include in an anti-aging diet. A glass of pomegranate juice a day is a sound anti-aging strategy.

3. Tomatoes to Say Farewell to Wrinkles

Tomatoes have one of the highest levels of lycopene in the world. Lycopene, which gives tomato its red hue, is an antioxidant that not only protects your skin against UV damage, it also helps protect your collagen from breaking down, resulting in smoother skin and fewer wrinkles. Plus, lycopene is thought to boost your blood circulation, strengthening your heart, arteries, and veins. Even though ketchup is a tasty condiment (albeit inferior to mustard, in my opinion), using fresh, ripe tomatoes is the best way to reap the benefits of lycopene. If you have ever dreamed of making homemade marinara sauce for a pasta or pizza dish, now is your chance. While you are at it, smear some tomato juice on your skin and wash it in 15 minutes. Then follow with your serum and lotion.

In this video, I will show you how to use tomatoes and aloe vera to get clean, clear, and glowing skin. Enjoy!

4. Watermelons for Eating Your Way to Hydrated Skin

The antioxidants inside watermelons exist in the form of Vitamins A and C as well as lycopene. There is also a special amino acid in watermelon called citrulline. Its primary

Watermelon for anti-aging diet

function is to relax your blood vessels, and this effect helps lower blood pressure and relieve sore muscles. You should never feel guilty about eating a lot of watermelons because it is mostly water - at least 90% - and thus keeps you hydrated. Staying hydrated can gradually detoxify you, promote healthy cells, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the process. Watermelons can definitely complement your skin care routine, but you should be using your skin care products with all natural ingredients to save your skin from the damage harsh chemicals can do. Watermelons are a classic summer and picnic food, but that should not stop you from devouring a few slices throughout the year.

5. Beans for Stronger, Fuller Hair

Besides our skin, the health of our hair can signal how fast or how slow we are aging. If you are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, eating beans is a good solution. Whether you like them garbanzo or pinto, black or brown, all beans are a great source of protein, which strengthens hair strands and accelerates hair growth. Besides that, beans contain antioxidants - anthocyanins in particular - to repair cell damage. You might be a little gassy after eating a plate full of beans, but it is worth it for a gorgeous head of hair. Beans are very easy to add to your diet, and you can transform this anti-aging superfood into a fun snack by using chickpeas to make homemade hummus.

“I’m really satisfied with the Acne Care Routine I’m using daily, and [my acne] has disappeared...I’ve got a lovely glow on my skin.”

6. Kale to Detox Your Whole Body

When people are trying to lose weight or change their diet, kale is the first thing that usually comes to mind when they think of what eating healthy means. With kale, you get

Kale for anti-aging diet

a double duty cleanse. In addition to kale’s antioxidant-rich nature (due to the number of carotenoids, beta-carotene, and Vitamins A and C in kale), it has glucosinolate, a compound that assists with detoxifying the body. The fewer toxins in your body, the more youthful your body is, inside and out; with time, wrinkles will gradually fade away. Moreover, kale contains calcium and a lot of Vitamin K, and those nutrients are necessary for healthy and strong bones. If the taste and texture of kale aren’t for you, don’t worry. Spinach is a great leafy green to eat instead. The next time you are in the mood for a salad, try incorporating this superfood.

7. Whole Grains for a Better “You Know What”

While having flawless skin is wonderful, it is just as important to keep the rest of our body as youthful too. When we exfoliate and moisturize our faces, that same amount of care should be given to our insides. Whole grains are excellent in this regard. It is very difficult to only give our bodies healthy food - sometimes you just need that 2 a.m. donut - but because whole grains are high in fiber, we can keep our digestive system clean and regular to ensure harmful effects are leaving our bodies almost as soon as they enter. A high fiber diet and a clean gut can readily lead to youthful skin and fewer wrinkles. In fact, Ayurveda directly correlates the health of our skin with the health of our gut. Furthermore, whole grains are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients so it is a win-win for everyone. There are many options for you when it comes to whole grains: brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, et cetera.

In this video, I will describe how to use rice, cucumber, and tea to create a mask that will tighten up the skin and fade dark spots. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel if you want to see more videos like these!

8. Walnuts for Genius-Level IQ to Accompany Your Flawless Skin

Even though all nuts have Omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts have one of the richest amounts. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for both your heart and your brain; they can lower cholesterol and improve your cognitive abilities, like memory and concentration. Really, you cannot go wrong with any kind of nut - the more the merrier especially since they help curb hunger- but I personally prefer walnuts. If you mix in a few diced walnuts to a fresh salad, the taste and crunch you get from them are oh-so-satisfying.

9. Dandelion for a Robust Liver to Promote Anti-Aging

Dandelions can be nuisances when you are trying to plot a beautiful and perfect garden, but when consumed, they are very good for you. In addition to being beneficial for your

Dandelion for anti-aging diet

skin, the antioxidants in dandelions sustain the health of our liver and protect it from damage. Since the liver is responsible for removing toxins from our blood and producing bile for digestion, we should ensure our liver is constantly healthy. In Ayurveda, significant importance is given to the dandelion for its healing and restorative properties. A healthy liver promotes overall health, which translates into beautiful skin that does not show the look of lines and wrinkles. But before you pick a few stray dandelions from your lawn, it is better to find dandelion tea and consume it this way. I tend to like my dandelions steamed as part of my lunch.

10. Broccoli for Plant Protein to Build Collagen

Broccoli deeply nourishes your cells in three different ways. The flavonoids and Vitamin C in broccoli purify cells of free radical damage. A compound called sulforaphane detoxifies cells and protects them from cancer-causing sources. Finally, the folate in this superfood can accelerate cell growth. Broccoli might not be one of our favorite vegetables, but its anti-aging benefits are just too hard to ignore. This might well be because of the high protein content that broccoli offers us. It is great for vegetarians and vegans both; so for me, it is even more significant to keep my skin wrinkle-free. For that and many other reasons, broccoli soup is one of my favorite healthy soups.
If you need more anti-aging tips or you have questions about your skin care or hair care, fill out this form.

Go natural. It is good karma! 

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