14 Jan Anti-ageing fruit & veg

Wrinkle preventing creams are generally rich in antioxidants to help your skin appear younger. However more often than not these products result in a diminished bank account rather than wrinkle free skin! Antioxidants aren’t easily absorbed through the skin. Therefore the best way to give your skin the antioxidants it needs is to include them in your diet.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is extremely important in skin health. It is the most abundant antioxidant found in the skin helping to build and repair collagen. Collagen maintains skin elasticity resulting in a youthful appearance. Therefore ensuring you eat vitamin C rich foods can help to slow the ageing process.  The best sources of vitamin C broccoli, sprouts, blackcurrants, guava, citrus fruits and kiwi fruit.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is most commonly viewed as the anti-aging vitamin. This is due to its ability to slow the breakdown of collagen within the skin. One form of the vitamin, Retinol, has been recognised by government authorities as an effective wrinkle prevention agent. Boost your intake of vitamin A by including carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes and kale regularly in your diet.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant as it helps prevent damage to cell membranes and associated enzymes. This function is particularly important in maintaining youthful looking skin. The best foods sources of vitamin E are from oils and fats including: meat, poultry and fish fats, vegetable oils, nuts, oats and dairy products.

Don’t forget to hydrate!

Maintaining hydration levels are key in achieving younger looking skin. Current recommendations for adults are 8-10 cups of fluid per day. Our bodies compose of up to 80% water. When you are dehydrated, your skin is often first to take a hit. Dehydrated skin appears dry, wrinkled and tired. Maintaining hydration levels ensures your skin looks plump, bright and healthy.

Written by Perri Simon

SiSU Wellness Nutritionist

Sources:

https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/