Superfoods that reduce the signs of aging

MANILA, Philippines - Inevitably, we cannot stop the clock of aging. It is natural for our body to lose its radiant glow and to the body’s machinery to be a little too rusty. Through time, we become more and more exposed to age-related diseases.

Most people are smothering themselves with anti-ageing creams to keep their youthful glow while some are drowning themselves with doses of pills, but there is a more natural way to help counteract the signs of aging.

These cannot stop you from getting older, but they can improve your overall health and lessen the signs of aging. These are the superfoods that are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which make the years of you more youthful looking.

Blueberry
Blueberries, like other berries, have a high water content, which makes them a key to hydrating your skin and other cells of the body. But, according to the US Department of Agriculture, blueberries have 40 percent more antioxidant capacity than other berries.

In addition, these little balls support the health of your skin's elastin, filter damaging UV light, and strengthen collagen formation, thereby reducing the signs of aging.
       
The flavonoids, which are seen on its deep-blue color are natural compounds that protect the brain's memory-carrying cells from the damaging effects of oxidation and inflammation. Therefore, it is good for preserving memory function.

Tomato
Tomatoes are packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene; and processed tomatoes are just as potent as the fresh ones, because it’s easier for the body to absorb lycopene. Studies show that a diet rich in lycopene can help eliminate skin-aging free radicals caused by ultraviolet rays.

Lisa Drayer, a beauty nutritionist and author of The Beauty Diet agreed and said that processed tomatoes contain more absorbable lycopene, an antioxidant pigment that protects against the worst effects of sun damage.

Almonds
Aside from reducing bad cholesterol, almonds are rich in amino acids, which improve testosterone levels and muscle growth. More importantly, they are packed with vitamin E, which helps defend against sun damage. In a study, volunteers who consumed 14 milligrams of the vitamin (about 20 almonds) per day burns less when exposed to UV rays than those who took none.

Sweet Potato
These tubers are one of the healthiest foods on the planet. In addition to countering the effects of secondhand smoke and preventing diabetes, sweet potatoes contain glutathione, an antioxidant that can enhance nutrient metabolism and immune-system. They are also loaded with vitamin C, which smoothens wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen. A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that volunteers who consumed 4 milligrams of vitamin C (about half a small sweet potato) daily for 3 years decreased the appearance of wrinkles by 11 percent.

Spinach
Spinach is filled with antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta-carotene. The antioxidants prevent the degradation of cells and dramatically increases the life span of our cells, explained Sam Graci, a Canadian nutrition researcher and founder of Genuine Health Products.

It also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which act as sunscreen for your eyes and guards against macular degeneration. And just a fun fact, Spinach also increases blood flow to the penis, says Susan Bowerman, assistant director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of California at Los Angeles.

Green Tea
Green tea releases catechin, an antioxidant with proven anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Research found that drinking 2 to 6 cups a day not only helps prevent skin cancer but might also reverse the effects of sun damage by neutralizing the changes that appear in sun-exposed skin. The power of green tea polyphenols known as EGCG reactivates dying skin cells.

Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and boost overall heart health. In a study from the Journal of Nutrition, women who drank cocoa fortified with a chocolate bar’s worth of flavonols (A class of flavonoids) had better skin texture and stronger resistance to UV rays than those who drank significantly fewer flavonols. Indulge in 1 ounce a day to get all the benefits, says dietitian Sari Greaves of New York Presbyterian Hospital–Cornell.

Tuna
Tuna contains selenium, which helps preserve elastin, a protein that keeps your skin smooth and tight. The antioxidant is also believed to stop free radicals created by UV exposure from damaging cells.

Carrots
Aside from improving eyesight, carrots are good for clearing up breakouts. The vitamin A, which prevents overproduction of cells in the skin’s outer layer is the secret to this. That means fewer dead cells to combine with sebum and clog pores.

Oyster
The zinc in oysters promotes healthy hair and nail growth, but it also plays an important role in skin renewal and repair. "The high zinc content of oysters is a great beauty benefit," says Drayer.