Wrinkles are caused by the decay of hyaluronic acid, or HA, on your face, joints and the skin of your body. This is a natural part of aging, as when you get older, the protein collagen in your skin starts to break down. Eating the right foods can help to ensure a long-lasting production of HA and collagen and, in turn, slow the onset of wrinkled skin.
Fruits
Fruits are the key to preventing wrinkles, as the vitamin C found in many of them encourages collagen to form and battles free radicals that can damage the skin, helping your skin look smoother and younger. Eat plenty of strawberries, citrus, cranberries, blueberries and, most important, Goji berries, which contain 500 times more Vitamin C per ounce than oranges, reports Vegansecret.com. They're also full of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E as well as linoleic acid, an essential fat that plumps up the skin. Try eating prunes as a snack; they have the highest level of antioxidants of all fruits.
Vegetables
Another key to glowing skin is to eat plenty of leafy greens, yellow and green peppers and broccoli. These vegetables are full of antioxidants, which can counteract the effects of decreased collagen production and can help to maintain the skin's firmness and elasticity. Eat beans, especially red ones, as they're also brimming with antioxidants. Red pepper is a great source of bioflavonoids, which naturally moisturize the skin for a glowing complexion. Beetroot will help prevent those furrows, and eat plenty of tomatoes for their lycopene content. Kale is also important because it's rich in antioxidants and contains iron that helps bring oxygen to the skin and vitamin A that wards off premature aging, says epigee.org.
Meat
Meat is an excellent source of protein, which is required for cell repair and maintenance to reduce the signs of aging. Good sources include turkey breast, chicken and other poultry. However, avoid red meat.
Fish
To reduce wrinkles you need plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, mackerel and tuna are all great lubricants for the skin. Oysters can also help keep skin elastic and moist.
Oil
Olive, hemp and flaxseed oils all plump up the skin's surface, helping encourage a younger appearance. Allantiaging.com cites a 2001 Australian study that found the more olive oil people had in their diets, the less wrinkles they had. Wellsphere.com says, "The oleic acid found in olives and virgin olive oil is the key here. Oleic acid actually soaks through the membranes of skin cells, plumping them up, which then makes fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable." Try oily avocado and meaty nuts such as walnuts, as they'll deflect UV radiation and protect your skin from wrinkling.
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