We all know that skin deteriorates as we get older. It gets worse if we don't eat the right food.
Now, there's really nothing we can do on the longterm aging effects of time. But with regards to proper nutrition for keeping our skin healthy, there's a lot we can do.
For you see, without ample vitamins and minerals, our body will not make enough collagen to keep our skin rejuvenated. Collagen is the main support for our skin.
If we cannot produce enough collagen, such as when we grow old, our skin forms wrinkles, becomes saggy, bruises easily and loses elasticity. Bottom line, if we're still young, without ample collagen, our skin ages prematurely. And, unavoidably, so do we.
We then get noticed, but not in a good way. We'll have to always wear long sleeves, long pants and ankle-length skirts.
We make sure to put on heavier makeup and take other measures to hide our dry and wrinkly skin. It's alarming when we look at the mirror and staring back at us is our haggard-looking self with crow's feet and forehead wrinkles.
To be sure, collagen deficiency also has ill effects on other parts of our body. But let's only cover our skin for now.
Knowing that collagen is what we need to maintain a healthy, supple and younger skin, it begs the question -- couldn't we make up for it by taking supplements? Sure we can. And many do.
There could even be a point in time when taking supplements is necessary. Such as when a doctor prescribes it.
And there are plenty of collagen supplements for sale out there. Just check them out on Amazon.
But we're foodies. And as food lovers, don't we rather incorporate the right food in our diet to maintain a healthy and younger-looking skin?
Luckily, there are plenty of food that can help our body produce collagen. Please keep reading:
1. Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals. But what makes leafy vegetables beneficial to the skin is their copper content. Copper is a trace mineral that is also found inside our body. Our body needs this for the production of copper peptides. These peptides aid in the production of collagen.
You need to eat a good serving of vegetables in every meal. Make sure you have something leafy on your plate like braised kale for example.
2. Nuts
Nuts contain healthier types of proteins. They also contain copper. Protein is a raw ingredient for collagen production. Your body converts simple proteins into functional ones to improve skin elasticity.
Some nuts also contain lightening properties. Almond nut is a good example. In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, this is used to control melanin production.
3. Berries
Who doesn't like to eat berries? Berries are not only great sources of vitamins and minerals; they are also great sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are imperative for the protection of skin cells. As we get older, harmful free radicals attack and damage skin cells. Because of these damages, the integumentary system weakens in its production of essential dermis components such as collagen. Your body needs something to help fight harmful free radicals.
4. Citrus fruits
Tropical fruits can help cleanse the palate especially after eating fatty, salty or oily foods. These fruits are great sources of vitamin A and C. Vitamin C helps reduce sun damage and helps double up the production of collagen. Vitamin A is needed for the repair of damaged skin tissues. This will help counteract the damages your skin experiences daily.
Along with the food you eat, caring for your skin should include drinking plenty of water, sleeping for at least seven to eight hours, and giving up bad habits such as smoking to maintain.
For more tips on staying younger, see the site, Old School New Body.
