10 Delicious Anti-Ageing Foods That Are Great For Your Skin and Body

As you grow older, collagen production and other body processes slow down leading to premature wrinkles and other signs of ageing. While retinol, peptide creams and vitamin C serums are great investments for an anti-ageing skincare routine, you also need to take a look at your diet.

Dietitian and holistic nutritionist Shikha Mahajan, founder of Diet Podium, say, "While the ageing cycle cannot be stopped, you can ensure that your skin stays youthful for a long time with the correct diet and skincare routine." 

So, here are her pick of foods to include in your anti-ageing diet:

Pomegranate

For centuries pomegranates were used as herbal fruit for curing. With high levels of vitamin C and potent antioxidants, pomegranates protect our bodies against free radical damage and reduce the levels of inflammation. They also contain a compound called punicalagin that can help sustain slowing signs of ageing collagen in the skin. Sprinkle these little sweet gems on a walnut salad with baby spinach for an anti-ageing treat!

Avocado

Avocado is one of the most popular anti-ageing products. It's high in calcium, A, C, E, and K vitamins as well as antioxidants that regulate aging effects. It's also perfect for your health overall. You can mash and spread avocados on your toast or just slice and add them to your regular lettuce salad.

Spinach

Spinach is highly moisturizing and filled with antioxidants to oxygenate the whole body. The high vitamin C content of this flexible green leafy amps up collagen development to keep skin smooth and firm. Vitamin A can also help reduce the inflammation of cells, whereas vitamin K helps in boosting your skin's healing process. Have it in a smoothie, salad.

Ghee

Ghee is enriched with vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. It includes alpha-tocopherol, which supports and keeps the skin clean. In Indian cuisine, ghee is widely used for sauteing, baking or just cooking. You can use this rather than butter or oil to improve your skin health.

Dark Chocolate

Research has shown that drinking dark chocolate improves skin elasticity and hydration. The flavanols in dark chocolate prevent UV radiation injury. You can use dark chocolate as a garnish on cakes, cereals and oatmeal.

Blueberries

Blueberries are rich sources of vitamins C, K and other nutrients that prevent cell damage and have an anti-ageing effect. Include these in your smoothies to benefit from them.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain Lycopene, a carotenoid that protects the skin against sun exposure. Tomato skin also has an anti-inflammatory effect on human skin. You should use to prep a savoury salad with onions, pasta and to your curries to give your meal that spicy zing.

Lemons

Citrus fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C that keep the skin clean and sparkling. Vitamin C is a major antioxidant that inhibits the effects of free radicals and it also contains skin-friendly flavonoids. You can make lemon juice or even sprinkle some on your meals for an extra zing.