The global anti-ageing market has an estimated value of $60 billion US dollars. People spend lots of money on retaining their youthful looks. From skin creams and serums to procedures like Botox, facials, fillers and surgery – it seems many of us are looking to stop the ageing clock.
Research suggests that healthy lifestyles and good diets can help to slow the signs of ageing. They contribute towards the health of the body’s internal systems. This aids in processes like the natural production of collagen.
Collagen is the protein that gives your skin its structure, suppleness and stretch. It’s what makes your joints flexible and your bones strong. Collagen is a protein, it’s spiralled throughout your body and its connective tissues.
There are different types of collagen in the body. As we age we produce less each year. Collagen health generally peaks around the age of 20. After then production starts to diminish, leading to signs of ageing like hair loss and wrinkles.
A number of different foods can help your body to create the amino acids necessary to synthesize collagen. Foods high in vitamin C are essential to an anti-ageing diet. Tiny quantities of minerals like sulphur are also necessary. Antioxidants too, play a part in skin health and collagen production.
There are many foods that contain these anti-ageing properties. They can be incorporated into your meals and many popular dishes. To help stop the clock and slow your ageing process, read on to discover these 10 Anti-ageing Super Foods!
1. Shell fish
Shell fish provide minerals like zinc and copper that are needed to produce collagen. Many collagen boosting products are made with shell fish extracts. Crab, mussels and shrimps are the best. You can find them in dishes from paella to pizza.
2. Berries
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries offer a super dose of vitamin C. They’re also high in antioxidants that protect the skin from damage. You can try adding berries to salads, cereals and oats or use them in cakes, cobblers and pies.
3. Mango
Mangos contain high levels of vitamin C and the antioxidant vitamin A. They make a winning combination in stimulation of collagen production. You can enjoy mango fresh or try it in salads, curries, chutneys, salsas and tacos.
4. Egg whites
Egg whites contain large amounts of the amino acid proline. It’s necessary for the growth of collagen. You’ll most likely already have you’re favourite type of egg. From poached, scrambled and fried, to omelettes, pastries and desserts. Eggs can be consumed in a variety of forms.
5. Beetroot
Beetroot contain many powerful antioxidants and high quantities of the compound silica. Silica can improve skin texture and enhance hair quality. The most popular dishes with beetroot include; kebabs, salads, soups and smoothies.
6. Papaya
Papaya have high levels of vitamin C. They also contain small particles of sulphur that are necessary to keep ageing at bay. Other sulphur-rich fruits include: bananas, coconuts and watermelons. You can use papaya imaginatively by adding it to kebabs and stir-fry’s.
7. Cashew nuts
Cashew nuts hold zinc and copper which are anti-ageing elements. They’re high in protein and make the perfect snack after a workout. You can find cashews in many dishes like curries, nut loafs, biscuits and cakes.
8. Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce contain the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants protect skin cells from UV sun damage. Eating greens helps improve your skin tone and slows the signs of ageing. You can put romaine lettuce in sandwiches and wraps or use it in hearty plates like chicken caesar salad.
9. Beans
Beans contain the necessary proteins, nutrients and amino acids to combat ageing. Many are rich in copper too. They’re a versatile food and you can cook them by baking, boiling or frying. Beans are found in many traditional dishes.
10. Chicken broth
Chicken contains lean-protein and is a generally healthy food. It’s bones, and leg and wing meat, can be used to make an anti-ageing broth. The breast bones and skin of chickens contain the highest levels of collagen boosters.
Eating a generally balanced diet, with as many healthy foods as possible, will go far in helping to fight the signs of ageing.
Avoiding too much refined sugar and processed or fatty foods will also dramatically help. A bad or unhealthy diet can speed up the ageing process, just as a healthy one can slow it down.
There are many other super foods to discover that can help with your overall health, well-being and protection.
Do you like any of these anti-ageing and collagen boosting super foods? Let us know in the comments.
*email data is never saved, shared or usedAll text ©J. Thomson, 2022
