We all know that aging is a natural part of life, but not everyone wants to accept the physical changes that come with it. We are, of course, referring to wrinkles. While a lot of people try to use expensive creams or serums, which promise to get rid of wrinkles, most people often overlook foods that accelerate the aging process. It’s important to find out which foods contribute to wrinkles so that you can avoid them!
What Are Wrinkles?
Wrinkles are folds in the skin that appear as the skin begins to age. While they come with age, things like stress, smoking, sun damage, and diet contribute to wrinkle development. Glycation, however, is the primary mechanism that drives wrinkle production. This physiological process happens when a protein molecule binds to a sugar molecule. This bond forms an end product known as an advanced glycation endproduct, appropriately named AGE.
AGEs are a form of oxidative stress and they damage the skin by weakening collagen. Certain foods can cause more oxidative stress than others and contribute to the production of AGEs. The skin needs to be cared for from the inside as well as the outside, although many people fail to consider the former. Diet is a major cause of wrinkles, so avoid the following foods to have healthier, youthful skin.
Bacon
Sorry, bacon lovers, but this beloved American meat product contains tons of fat, saturated fat, AGEs, and calories. In addition to contributing to weight gain and heart disease, saturated fats cause skin aging induced by inflammation. Bacon also contains sodium nitrate, which can cause oxidative stress. Avoid premature wrinkles by avoiding bacon.
Pasteurized Dairy
Pasteurization and homogenization involve high heating, which oxidizes protein and makes dairy fats contaminated. According to research, this contributes to AGE formation, but so does the extraction and processing procedures. Some of the most common AGE-causing dairy products include mayonnaise, margarine, cream cheese, and butter. Try opting for plant-based dairy options that you make yourself. Try our homemade almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk.
Refined Sugars
Foods that contain refined sugars are almost solely responsible for early signs of aging. Refined sugars have been known to bind with amino acids in collagen and elastin, ultimately causing glycation. This process is accelerated when you increase your sugar intake. So what foods contain refined sugars? Let’s just include all processed foods, commercial candy, soda, cereals, salad dressings, sauces, pastas, breads, and other baked goods. We are also accounting for anything containing high fructose corn syrup. Stay away from refined sugars!
Cocktails
After you have a night of drinking, do you ever notice how dehydrated you feel? While you may be in desperate need of water, so is your skin. Frequently consuming alcoholic beverages can cause your skin to lose its elasticity and ultimately form wrinkles. A recent study found that vitamin A levels were negatively affected in both social and chronic drinkers. This vitamin aids with collagen production and helps regenerate skin cells.
Over-cooked Or Processed Meat
In addition to containing a ton of refined sugars, the Standard American Diet typically contains a lot of meats, which people often overcook. The high heat causes these meats to develop high AGE content, which can lead to excess inflammation and oxidative stress after consumption. If you feel that you cannot give up meat, you should at least consume the highest quality meat products, for example, organic grass-fed beef or freshly caught fish. You can also try going meatless certain days out of the week to reduce your consumption.
