One of the guarantees of getting older is the fact that wrinkles will appear. With age there is a definite loss of the body’s ability to produce collagen. As collagen production decreases the skin loses its ability to remain firm and resilient along with a decreased ability for moisture retention.
Erasing wrinkles without surgery is not feasible or practical, however, researchers point out that we do have control over how soon they show up and their intensity. It is also known that by adding certain foods to our diets we can slow the breakdown of collagen.
Fruits & Vegetables:
Along with reducing your risk for disease, cancer, and heart disease fruits and vegetables have been shown to be powerful wrinkle fighters. A lot of fruits and vegetables have vitamin C. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that people with above average intake of vitamin C have fewer wrinkles.
They go on to say that vitamin C is one the most important aspects of collagen production. The American Academy of Dermatology points to vitamin C as a powerful antioxidant that may be able to help reverse adverse effects of UV damage.
In addition to C, fruits and vegetables also contain vitamin A. Vitamin A contained in fruits and vegetables are classified as carotenoids. Carotenoids behave similar to antioxidants and experts agree they also provide UV protection against collagen breakdown.
Particularly powerful and effective wrinkle fighting fruits and vegetables are citrus and include strawberries, cantaloupe, apricots, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers and tomatoes.
Nuts and Seeds:
Dermatologists also advise eating a lot of nuts and seeds because they have nutrients that not only support skin health, they also fight wrinkles. Sunflower seeds and almonds are vitamin E powerhouses.Vitamin E, also categorized as an antioxidant increase protection from cell membrane breakdown and in combination with vitamin C appears to shield the skin form sun damage. Without a doubt, exposure to sun has historically been one of the major causes of skin wrinkles.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates flaxseed and walnuts contain linoleic acid which helps tone down the appearance of wrinkles. Women in skin analysis studies proved that when they increased their levels of linoleic acid their skin was more moist and much firmer.
Lean Protein:
The skin is comprised mostly of protein, and according to the American Academy of Dermatology, elevating your protein intake was good for overall skin health. Further, consuming lean protein also decreases a persons fat intake. On the flip side, increasing dietary fat intake also increases the appearance of wrinkles.
Chicken, turkey, fish, legumes and eggs are all good sources of lean protein. Along with containing lean protein these food sources are also a rich source of niacin. And according to studies by the American Academy of Dermatology, niacin is a major player in collagen production and protecting the skin from aging.