Over a woman’s life, she’ll spend around $250,000 on looking her best.
We all want to be as attractive as possible, but does spending hundreds every year on products actually keep us looking younger?
Instead, have you considered the fact that your diet plays a huge part in how healthy you are but also in how young you look?
Beauty comes from the inside too and certain foods can actually help us look young for longer. Add some of these anti-aging foods to your shopping list and you may notice big changes in your appearance.
1. Eat Nuts Every Day for Health Benefits
Did you know, 3.3 million Americans are allergic to nuts? If you’re lucky enough to be able to eat them, then make sure you do so every single day.
Nuts are packed full of nutrients and healthy fats. They’re also very filling so you won’t be tempted to reach for processed foods.
But, how do they stop the aging process in its tracks and keep you looking young? Well, they fight cholesterol, are packed with protein and contain phytosterols that can reduce heart disease.
2. Blueberries Pack a Punch
These small fruits are packed full of antioxidants. Better yet, they have been proven to reduce the risk and severity of certain illnesses, such as the flu, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
It’s believed this delicious snack can reduce oxidative stress which causes obesity and aging. They will also support the health of your heart as well! You’ll find that they’re full of vitamin C, B6, potassium, and fiber.
By consuming blueberries, you’re reducing your cholesterol. But, for added benefit, make sure you avoid foods full of cholesterol such as cheese and certain types of meat.
3. Drink Lemon Water Every Day
It’s likely you’ve heard of celebrities drinking lemon water for weight management. This health trend is often spoken about. But, there is science to back up the fashion too.
In fact, lemon is a great source of vitamin C and can help your digestive system to run smoothly. Did you know, that vitamin C produces collagen which can reduce the look of wrinkles?
This drink is delicious first thing in the morning. Replace your morning coffee with hot water and a slice of lemon. Choose fresh fruit over a tea bag for the best results.
As a result of drinking lemon water every day, you’ll notice that your skin looks more vibrant. You’ll also feel refreshed too!
4. Sweet Potatoes Are Delicious and Anti-Aging
Brighten up the complexion of your beautiful skin with a few tasty sweet potatoes. By adding this ingredient to your cooking, you’ll be boosting your vitamin A intake.
As a result, you’ll see an increase in collagen production which will reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Better yet, vitamin A will reduce the age-related decline of your eyesight. It also boosts your immune system and supports your bone health too!
Why not bake a sweet potato and eat it with sauteed tofu and beans for a delicious, simple meal?
5. Greek Yogurt Is a Great Afternoon Snack
If you get peckish mid-morning or afternoon, don’t reach for a prepackaged snack. Instead, opt for a bowl of greek yogurt and blueberries.
As a result, you’ll be giving yourself a boost of both vitamin C and D. Choosing Greek yogurt over regular yogurt will double the protein intake of this snack.
By eating this yogurt every week, you’ll reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, help to lower your blood pressure over time and improve your bone health.
As a result, you’ll be able to keep up with your grandkids for years to come and not just look young but also feel it!
6. Add Manuka Honey to Tea
Why not add some Manuka honey to your afternoon Greek yogurt snack? You’ll find that this honey has benefits such as boosting the cytokine production in your body.
Cytokine boosts your immune system and helps reduce the risk of problems such as arthritis, and infection.
You can add this honey to your tea or coffee. Or, simply apply it directly to your skin to reduce any signs of aging! Manuka honey is regularly used in skincare products for this reason. Look out for this magical, natural solution while you’re looking for a new moisturizer.
You can expect your skin to look beautifully rejuvenated and glowing after consuming and applying Manuka honey every day.
7. Eat Oatmeal Every Morning
If you already eat oatmeal every day, you’re making huge strides to improve your health. Did you know, oatmeal is packed with iron and zinc?
These two chemicals can seriously improve the appearance of your nails and hair. The average American woman will spend around $55,000 on their hair.
Make sure your hair is as healthy as possible so every trip to the hairdressers is worth the cost! Having strong, shiny hair will keep you looking young and beautiful.
Furthermore, oats are full of antioxidants. Cover your morning oatmeal with blueberries and bananas and you’re looking at a delicious superfood.
8. Avocados Are a Sweetheart of Younger Generations
Although the younger generations are laughed at for their love affair with this creamy fruit, they are benefiting their health.
By consuming avocados, we can boost our immune system and fight off infections, and slow down the aging process. This is because avocados are packed full of nutrients such as vitamins K B6, E, C and riboflavin, folate, and magnesium.
Struggling to know what to do with an avocado? Spread it on toast, sprinkle some delicious seeds on top, and drink lemon water with it too!
9. Berries Will Make You Beautiful
After dinner, instead of reaching for the ice cream, why not grab a handful of frozen berries? This delightful snack makes a brilliant, healthy dessert.
They will help you keep fit and reduce signs of aging. Choose strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries.
Berries will improve the insulin response and can help fight inflammation too. They’re great for skin conditions and will also protect you from diseases, such as cancer.
10. Add Spinach to Your Smoothie
Drinking a smoothie every day is a great way to eat a large number of fruits and veggies, especially those that you’re not keen on!
If you don’t like wilting spinach into a curry or eating it in a salad, then blending it into a smoothie is a great alternative. Adding in berries, lemon, avocado, and nut milk will create a rich taste that hides the spinach.
You’ll find that spinach is great to add to your anti-aging diet as it is full of nutrients. It has potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamins B9, E and B9.
All leafy greens will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and protect your skin from sun damage. But, always remember to wear sunblock while enjoying a summer’s day.
11. Lentils Keep You Looking Young
Have you ever tried homemade dahl? This Indian dish is delicious and packed full of lentils that will keep you looking and feeling young.
Lentils are full of complex carbs, fiber, and protein. They also produce collagen which we already know is great for looking younger.
You can add lentils to all sorts of meals such as soups or salads. Why not make a pasta tomato sauce using lentils instead of meat?
12. Add a Little Dark Chocolate for Good Measure
Are you a chocaholic? Don’t worry, you don’t have to give up your favorite snack. But, switch milk or white chocolate for dark instead.
Dark chocolate has hundreds of benefits but can keep you looking radiant into old age. Just make sure you don’t binge this tasty treat.
Having just one or two pieces in an evening has been proven to reduce your risk of cancer. It can also reduce your blood pressure and is full of antioxidants.
Make sure you’re eating chocolate which is at least 70% cocoa. By doing this, you’re reducing your sugar intake but getting all of the benefits of chocolate!
Anti-Aging Foods Are Delicious
You’ll find that these anti-aging foods are easy to find in your local store. You don’t need to rush out and spend hundreds on products that claim to reduce aging.
All it takes is a healthy diet packed full of leafy greens, lentils and beans, and delicious Greek yogurt. By eating healthily, you’ll also see an increase in your energy levels.
If you feel energized and happy, you’re more likely able to keep up with your younger friends and family members too.
Want more inspiration for staying healthy? Check out the three ways you can boost your immune system this winter.