Processed foods not only cause chronic health disorders but also lead to age-related beauty issues. And two of these foods are notorious in it.
Processed foods and age-related beauty issues
We already are aware that processed foods contain substandard and nutritionally poor ingredients. Moreover, they are high in saturated fats, sugars and/or salt. Additionally, they contain additives that normally are not required in the recipe. These include food flavors, food colors, preservatives, thickeners, emulsifiers, etc. All these can give rise to obesity, metabolic diseases, chronic diseases, and even cancer.
Skin care starts from within. Our skin requires a good and healthy lifestyle that also includes cessation of smoking, adequate hydration, and good sleep. It also needs the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Hence, besides topical applications, what we consume daily also matters a lot for the skin. To get a glowing and youthful skin, we need to avoid processed foods and go for fruits, vegetables, and good sources of protein.
Experts say that two processed foods particularly cause a lot of age-related beauty issues. Which are these foods?
Bacon and fried foods
Bacon is processed with high levels of salts and other additives in it. People taking it get puffy eyes. Dietitian Lisa Young updates on it:
“Processed meats contain a high amount of sodium and nitrates,”
“Sodium and nitrates have been said to cause puffiness and inflammation.”
And if you fry bacon or have other fried foods, it is worse. Lisa explains:
“When food is fried it releases free radicals that can cause damage to the skin and also causes our skin to lose elasticity,”
“Fried foods also contain hydrogenated fat which is highly processed.”
These foods have a lot of pro-inflammatory substances in them. Moreover, they are devoid of antioxidants and dietary fiber. Both of these food components prevent wrinkles.
Healthy foods for skin
Lisa goes on to reveal that instead of processed meats or fried foods, it is best to have roasted or grilled meats and potatoes. Also, to have a youthful and glowing complexion, add these four nutrients in your daily diet.
Antioxidants: we all are aware of the role of antioxidants in mopping up the damaging free radicals produced in the body due to various reasons. Hence, these plant compounds reduce risk of ageing including that on the skin. Carrots, spinach, broccoli, blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and are a good choice if you want to have a clear and young skin longer.
Vitamin C: Oranges, strawberries, guava, blueberries, pineapple, broccoli contain this vitamin. It helps our skin produce collagen. This provides suppleness and elasticity to our skin.
Vitamin E: Sunflower oil, avocado, fatty fish, and almonds are rich in this vitamin. Lisa reveals that this vitamin protects our skin from damage from free radicals. Therefore, this vitamin is essential in the diet to have a beautiful skin.
Read more: Are collagen drinks effective for increasing skin plumpness and elasticity?
Omega 3 fatty acids: Chia seeds, walnuts, herring, tuna, salmon, and mackerel contain these fatty acids. Lisa comments:
“This is essential for skin health as it reduces inflammation in our skin,”