×
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

A fruit a day keeps wrinkles at bay

Last Updated 04 October 2013, 15:53 IST

It is not necessary to starve by eating only rabbit food to keep signs of ageing away, writes Bhakti Bapat Mathew.

Once you hit your 30s, it can be a quick ride down the hill for your skin-deep beauty unless you make conscious efforts to keep yourself fit and glowing. Exercise and eating right become mandatory.

Foods that cause ageing

*  Sugar (Substitute it with Jaggery / Honey)
*  Caffeine (Tea/Coffee/Chocolate)
*  Processed foods and additives
*  Deep-fried foods

Too much sugar can cause the skin to lose its natural elasticity, leading to wrinkles and other signs of ageing. On the other hand, caffeine drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate can dehydrate the body, and may lead to the skin losing its natural moisture and hydration.

A drier skin is more prone to ageing. Processed foods and food with additives can contain a lot of sugar or salt in the form of preservatives. Excessive sugar as well as salt can lead to dehydration in the body, ultimately leading to skin ageing. Deep-fried foods like potato chips can also lead to ageing and weight gain.

Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious foods you can eat, some of them right there in your fridge, which can reduce signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. Here are some yummy foods that will aid your anti-ageing quest without leaving you gagging:

* Fresh fruits and vegetables
*  Broccoli, lettuce, salad leaves
*  Nuts, walnut
*  Fish, eggs
*  Almonds
*  Yoghurt
*  Whole wheat pasta

Of the above, fruits are rich in anti-oxidants. They fight cell damage and keep your skin youthful and elastic. Veggies, especially greens like salad leaves, spinach ad lettuce, are rich in vitamin K that helps prevent bone loss. The case for fruits and greens has never been stronger! Omega 3 fatty acids found in foods like fish, eggs, walnuts and nuts have been known to improve moods and combat inflammation.

Nuts may be slightly high-calorie, but they are filling and reduce chances of over-eating. These are essential fatty acids. The human body cannot synthesise these acids, yet they are critical for a healthy metabolism, hence the importance of omega 3. Almonds too have been known to moisturise the skin and keep it young and nourished. Yogurt is a protein-rich food, and helps keep the body nourished but slim and bones strong. Whole grains like wheat are not only filling but also shield the body from high blood sugar, high blood pressure and heart disease, among other things.

Anti-ageing home facials

Besides eating regular and moderate portions of these foods, you can also use a number of them as a skin mask externally. They make for great home facials. Here are some easy-to-use home facials that slow down the skin’s ageing process.

* Honey: Honey can not only be consumed internally as a sugar substitute, but can also be applied externally to create a moisturising, anti-ageing effect on the skin. Apply on the face and wash with luke-warm water after 15 minutes.

*  Potato: Raw potato slices rubbed gently on the face can get rid of dark spots and wrinkles.

*  Banana: A ripe banana facial is manna for the skin. The best part is that a banana facial is useful for all skin types and leave the skin moisturised and soft.

*  Egg-white: Eggs are great nourishment providers for the skin as well as your hair. Rubbing egg-white on your skin makes your skin more elastic and smooth.

*  Yogurt/Curd: Applying curd can help you quickly get rid of your tan. You can mix curd with oatmeal powder or honey for better results.

Many people complain that food that is tasty is usually not good for your health. Bust that myth with the scrumptious foods mentioned above and give your skin an internal spa treatment!

ADVERTISEMENT
(Published 04 October 2013, 15:53 IST)

Follow us on

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT