The Top Anti Aging Foods

Although aging is inevitable, there are a number of anti-aging foods that can help slow down the signs of aging and in some instances, even erase some of your existing wrinkles. Here are several foods you should frequently include in your diet.

Blueberries: Due to the abundance of antioxidants they contain, blueberries are ideal for smoothing fine lines. Additionally, they protect your skin from the free radicals produced by stress and sun exposure that are notorious for causing lines, wrinkles, and the loss of skin elasticity. Just ½ cup daily is needed for maximum benefit.

Green tea: Green tea contains both polyphenols (antioxidants that fight skin damage caused by free radicals) and catechins (a polyphenol compound that activates the synthesis of collagen and blocks matrix metalloproteinase production). This thwarts conditions commonly caused by sun damage, such as hyperpigmentation that results in brown spots. After drinking at least one cup a day for a month, you should start to see changes in your skin's appearance.

Pomegranates: In addition to containing the polyphenol compound, ellagic acid, pomegranates are full of vitamin C that protects against the formation of wrinkles. The juice in the seeds also contains punicalagin, a "super-nutrient" that helps your body preserve collagen, allowing your skin to keep a smooth and plump appearance. Eating a cupful of pomegranate seeds weekly is sufficient for skin protection.

Reddish orange foods, such as tomatoes, carrots, or watermelon: Foods with a reddish orange hue are full of lycopenes and beta carotene, two vitamins that protect your skin against UV ray damage. By settling into the epidermis, they have been shown to repair damage that has already been caused by sunlight. Many of these foods also contain plenty of vitamin C and A, which are important for collagen production and body tissue repair. Drinking one glass of V8 juice a day gives you plenty of both nutrients.

Kale/Spinach/Broccoli: Dark green, leafy veggies are full of omega 4 fatty acids, iron, and vitamins A, B, and E that protect against sun damage, as well as hydrate the skin to prevent the formation of wrinkles.

Rainbow Trout: Full of omega 3 fatty acids, rainbow trout keeps your skin's outer layer sufficiently lubricated to fight flaky, dry skin. Rainbow trout is also a great source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that inhibits cortisol production and enhances skin cell repair. If you aren't a fan of rainbow trout, try baked, grilled, or poached herring or salmon.

Cucumbers: Without a doubt, water is crucial for fighting the signs of aging because it keeps the skin hydrated. With the highest water content of any food, cucumbers are a perfect option. The peel also contains silica, which enhances collagen production, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Strawberries: One cup of strawberries gives you more than 100 percent of the RDA of vitamin C, a vitamin that has been shown to help combat dry, flaky skin and wrinkles.

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