Foods That Speed Up Aging (And What to Eat Instead)
Most of us dream of aging gracefully, but not everyone knows the secrets for doing so. While habits like drinking plenty of water, getting enough rest and taking care of your skin can certainly help, it is equally important to pay attention to your diet.
Plenty of experts advocate complicated meal plans that encourage eating “clean,” “raw,” or “whole” foods, and for some, these diets are life-changing. However, if your main goal is to minimize your intake of age-accelerating foods, such a radical change isn’t practical.
Below are a few of the biggest offenders when it comes to aging. Each one includes healthy alternatives to try as well.
- Fried Foods
It’s probably no surprise that fried foods can speed up aging. When foods are fried in hot oils, they release molecules called free radicals that damage your skin and cause it to lose elasticity more quickly.
Additionally, the high salt content can dehydrate you and accelerate the formation of wrinkles.
The good news is that you don’t have to give up fries and crispy fried chicken forever. Instead of deep-frying, try baking in the oven or purchasing an air fryer. These methods don’t use fatty oils but can still produce a delicious crisp.
- White Bread
White bread is full of processed and refined carbs. Ingesting highly processed foods like can this lead to the formation of substances that can contribute to chronic inflammation and skin aging.
There are many alternatives to white bread, and most even contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit your body. Sprouted grain or whole grain bread are two of the best options.
- Margarine
Many older adults grew up in households that only used margarine. Decades ago, it was touted as a healthy alternative to butter, but recent knowledge shows that it’s actually worse for you because of the high content of hydrogenated oil.
Margarine can make you more susceptible to UV damage, which leads to a loss of collagen and increases the rate of wrinkle and age spot formation.
Moderate amounts of real butter are a better substitute for margarine, but an even better alternative would be to try olive oil or avocado instead. Both olive oil and avocados are rich in healthy fats and anti-aging compounds that can help you look and feel younger.
Eating Healthfully Shouldn’t Be Hard
While there are certain foods that can contribute to faster aging, keep in mind that moderation is key to any healthy diet. Making simple swaps and eating mindfully can go a long way in helping you stay young.
Here at Tapestry, our chefs are committed to making delicious meals using fresh, wholesome ingredients, so you can be your healthiest most energetic self.
