Foods that Speed up the Ageing Process

There are two main culprits that accelerate the aging process of our skin: sun exposure and advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

Let’s take a look at what is AGEs

AGEs – Advanced glycation end products, forms when protein or fat combines with sugar. AGEs accelerate skin aging and wrinkle formation, by accelerating the shortening of telomeres, which increases cellular aging.

Foods you should avoid to prevent accelerated aging:

1. Fried foods

Foods fried in oil at high temperatures release free radicals that can cause cellular damage to the skin. Exposure to free radicals accelerates the aging process due to an action called cross-linking. Cross-linking affects DNA molecules and can weaken skin’s elasticity.

2. Refined carbs

When refined carbs integrate with protein, it causes the formation of AGEs.

Foods with a high glycemic index, like white bread, can cause inflammation in the body, which is directly linked to the aging process.

3. Sugar

Apart from the most obvious reason why sugar should be avoided which is heart disease risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and inflammation, high-sugar diets can also increase androgen secretion, oil production and inflammation, all of which can raise your risk of developing acne.

Sugar contributes to the formation of collagen-damaging AGEs. When our sugar levels are elevated, the AGEs process is stimulated. It speeds up even more if sunlight is involved.

4. Margarine

Margarine is worse than moderate amounts of real butter due to the fact that it’s high in partially hydrogenated oils. These trans fatty acids make skin more vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation, which can damage skin’s collagen and elasticity.

5. Processed meats

These meats are high in sodium, saturated fats, and sulfite, which can all dehydrate the skin and weaken collagen by causing inflammation.

6. Dairy

For some, dairy may increase inflammation in the body, which leads to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of premature aging. Diets low in dairy products may protect sun-exposed skin from wrinkling.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol can cause a host of problems when it comes to the skin, including redness, puffiness, loss of collagen, and wrinkles. Alcohol depletes your nutrients, hydration, and vitamin A levels, all of which have a direct impact on wrinkles.

Vitamin A is especially important in regards to new cell growth and the production of collagen, ensuring that skin is elastic and wrinkle-free.

8. Salt

Consuming too much salt can draw water out from the skin and lead to dehydration. That may make your skin more prone to wrinkling.

9. Concentrated sources of fructose

High concentrations of fructose breaks down collagen much quicker than regular sugar, which can speed up wrinkle formation. Foods high in added fructose include sauces, salad dressings, sugary drinks, yogurt, honey, dried fruits, fruit juices and fruits.