We can't control how our body ages as we grow older. But the worst part is that it starts showing on the skin first. While we can't stop ageing, we can definitely reduce or delay the telltale signs on the skin. What if we told you that the key to keep looking young might also lie on your plate? While many of us focus on consuming foods that promise anti-ageing benefits, we often overlook the foods that are the real culprits; they make you age faster and can even lead to premature ageing. These should be discarded first to tweak our diets. Befriend the enemy and then find allies.
While there are many foods that can accelerate the skin ageing process, we have identified some of the common ones that most of us are guilty of indulging in often.
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Delay signs of ageing with the right diet. Image Credit: iStock
Here Are 5 Foods That Can Make You Age Faster:
1. Refined Sugar
Excessive sugar consumption, especially refined sugar, can speed up the ageing process. High sugar intake can lead to glycation, a process where sugars bind to proteins and form harmful molecules known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs can damage collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles and sagging skin. As per a study in the National Library Of Medicine, sugar and fructose link the amino acids present in collagen and create AGEs. Nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee advises against the consumption of desserts for the same reason.
Solution: Limit the consumption of sugar in your diet and try to replace it with healthier alternatives like honey and jaggery (this too in moderation). The best practice is to consume naturally sweetened foods like fruits, dates and raisins.
2. Fried Junk Food
Hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are basically trans fats, are often found in fried foods and are notorious for their detrimental effects on health and skin. Not only do they raise bad cholesterol levels, but they also promote inflammation, which promotes ageing. Fat Loss Coach Ayush Mathur explains that these foods also make you dehydrated, which shows on your skin.
Solution: Avoid junk food as much as possible. But you can still enjoy your favourite fried foods, provided you have them occasionally and make them fresh at home.
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3. Excessive Alcohol
While moderate alcohol consumption may have some health benefits, excessive alcohol intake can age you faster. Alcohol dehydrates the body, leading to dry and wrinkled skin. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology explained that Alcohol consumption impairs the skin's antioxidant defence system, making you look older than your years.
Solution: Drink moderately as a leisure activity, not a routine. Check here the expert's guidelines on moderate drinking. Better still, avoid alcohol altogether.
4. Processed Meats
Processed meats like sausages, pepperonis, and hot dogs often contain high levels of sodium, sulphite and saturated fats. Healthline suggests that excessive consumption of these meats dehydrates the skin, and can weaken the collagen, leading to skin inflammation.
Solution: There's only one - stop having processed meats at once.
5. Caffeine Overload
It's true that caffeine provides many health benefits, even our skin, but too much of it can adversely impact your skin and make you look older. A study conducted by the Medical University of Bialystok states that Caffeine reduces collagen synthesis, which makes the skin lose its elasticity and show signs of ageing.
Solution: Drink coffee or tea in limit or replace it with other healthy beverages like herbal tea, smoothies and coconut water.
To age gracefully, it's best to avoid the foods that make you age faster and make it a point to eat healthy to maintain your skin and body health.
(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)