Foods that Prevent Signs of Aging

Janell W. Murphy

The Anti-Wrinkle Diet: Foods that Prevent Signs of Aging

Stephanie Holmes

5 hrs ago

Get your baby face back

We’re not talking about those adorable chubby cheeks—no, it’s that impossibly smooth, baby-soft skin that we had before time came along and did some damage here and there. Unfortunately, our skin gets worn down as we age and encounter all the good and bad things in life (pollution, alcohol, coffee, cigarettes). It’s difficult to protect ourselves from such elements because they’re there, whether we like it or not. You can, however, do a little damage control by eating these 25 foods that counter harmful effects with their powerful antioxidant properties!

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Papaya

With a Vitamin C content of 60 milligrams for every 100 grams, this exotic fruit covers 55% of your daily needs and you can easily incorporate it into your smoothies or fruit salads.

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Blueberries

This is one super berry you shouldn’t neglect. It’s one of the most antioxidant-rich foods out there and has anti-inflammatory properties that will keep those fine lines and sagging skin at bay. They’re like an edible shield from environmental hazards that you can’t avoid.

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Cod

Codfish is a mighty barrier against visible skin woes, thanks to its high retinol content, which is a component of vitamin A. It’s best consumed in combination with foods rich in beta-carotene to capitalize on its antioxidant effects.

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Yellow bell pepper

Slightly less rich in Vitamin C than its red brother (100 milligrams instead of 120 milligrams) but it still covers all your needs for the day. Try adding it to pasta dishes, pizzas and salads, or munch on it with yogurt dip for a healthy snack.

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Carrots

Rich in beta-carotene, carrots promote tissue repair and play a role in protecting the skin against external hostilities. Plus, the beta-carotene action linked to that of melanin contributes to this protective shield.

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Sunflower oil

Try cooking with sunflower oil, which is especially rich in Vitamin E. Its antioxidant effects limit tissue degradation and in turn help preserve skin cells. You only need 2 tablespoons to cover your needs for the day (12 milligrams/day).

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Kiwi

Here’s a case where good things come in small packages. Kiwi is rich in Vitamin C, which makes it your ally in the battle to maintain baby-soft skin. Have one for breakfast or chopped up in your yogurt, and you’re covered!

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Hazelnuts

They’re full of Vitamin E, so your daily needs are partly covered with these crunchy companions. 1 or 2 handfuls is all you need to get that coveted radiance.

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Lychees

These exotic fruits are excellent allies in the fight against skin damage. For about 3/4 cup, you get 72 milligrams of Vitamin C. With that, your daily needs are covered, and their antioxidant properties will come to the rescue by preserving your skin cells.

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Butter

This might come as a surprise, but butter actually has a positive impact on your skin. Your skin cells have certain cholesterol requirements to form their membrane, and butter is one of the foods that helps maintain it. So, don’t hesitate to swap the jam for butter on your morning toast!

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Sweet potato

This one is brimming with beta-carotene, which links up with retinol for an antioxidant punch. It’s most beneficial when baked because the Vitamin A it contains is soluble in water. If you’re going to boil it, keep the cooking water for soups or sauces so you can recover important vitamins.

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Red bell pepper

Here’s a sun-filled vegetable that’s rich in Vitamin C (162 milligrams for every 100 grams). It’s the perfect companion for your salads because it adds a touch of color and a satisfying crunch. Fewer things are better to revitalize your skin!

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Pumpkin

Pumpkin takes on a soft and creamy texture when cooked in the oven—such a treat! Plus, it contains the beta-carotene you need to protect your precious skin. Guess Halloween has some healthy benefits after all.

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Olive oil

This versatile oil used in cooking and seasoning is an indispensable kitchen accomplice. It also carries Vitamin E (about 25 milligrams for almost 1/2 cup). You can combine it with sunflower oil to reap even more benefits (2 tablespoons olive oil in your salad and 1 tablespoon sunflower oil in your main dish, for example).

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Strawberries

Craving strawberries dipped in sugar? We give you permission to indulge. More than 3/4 cup of this skin-friendly fruit covers 60% of your Vitamin C needs. So go ahead and dig in (just keep the sugar to a small amount!).

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Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate (70% or higher) possesses a higher level of flavonoids, which aid in reflecting the sun’s UV rays. These phytonutrients are also useful for minimizing collagen breakdown and photo damage. Even better, they help fight free radicals, thus protecting the body from aging in the process.

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Basil

Shield your skin from the signs of aging with this delicious herb that contains a good amount of beta-carotene. Be generous with it in your salads, main dishes and sauces.

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Grapes

Grapes possess enough Vitamin C to benefit your body and skin in the best way. Eat a few bunches for a snack or dessert.

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Apricots

If you’re not sure what to eat for a midday snack, have one or two fresh apricots. Thanks to their beta-carotene content, they’ll help keep your skin in good condition. You can also opt for dry apricots, but stick to a handful because of their high sugar content.

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Red cabbage

This cruciferous veggie slips perfectly into salads and is rich in Vitamin C (55 milligrams for every 100 grams). Marry it with a little hazelnut or grape seed vinaigrette, and you’ll maximize the antioxidant effect with Vitamin E.

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Almonds

A healthy dose of Vitamin E is housed in these oleaginous seeds (about 15 milligrams for every 100 grams). Just a handful of almonds a day will add some ammunition to your anti-wrinkle cause, and it’s a perfectly portable snack that won’t take up too much space in your bag.

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Mango

Here’s another exotic fruit with antioxidant properties, thanks to the beta-carotene it contains. Half a mango is enough to cover your needs, and its versatility will keep things interesting: put it in smoothies, salads, oatmeal, yogurt, etc.

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Avocado

Avocados are rich in Vitamin A and good-for-you fatty acids that promote supple, wrinkle-free skin. They’re also high in carotenoids, which might help block toxins and damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. Spread some mashed avocado on your morning toast or turn them in to guacamole for delicious and healthy snacking.

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Melon

Brimming with beta-carotene, melon tastes more like a treat with its subtly sweet and refreshing flavor. Pair it with some Prosciutto for a divine light appetizer.

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Brussels sprouts

High in Vitamin C, these little green fighting machines are here to join your army of skin protection. They have about 60 milligrams for every 100 grams, which contributes to your daily needs and cell protection.

Still curious? Here are 50 natural weapons that fight belly fat.

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26/26 SLIDES

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