15 Foods That Make You Look Older Than Your Real Age
Sometimes when you see some people, you’ll find it hard to believe what their real age is. Some of the foods that we eat speeds up aging process. We suggest that you should eat less of these foods for they might be making you look older than you are.
Salty foods
There have been several write ups about salt speeding up aging process because of the sodium content. “Foods that are high in sodium cause you to retain water and feel bloated. The water retention can make the skin look puffy and tired,” comments Orlick Levy. Dr. Taz also adds that “[High salt foods] trigger dehydration and some early studies show it damages DNA, shortening telomeres and accelerating aging.”
Sugar
This might sound weird but sugar might also be responsible for aging. “While there have been countless studies arguing back and forth on whether or not sugar can cause breakouts, the case remains that sugar is simply harmful to your body as a whole,” states Dr. Taz. “Sugar causes inflammation, which is a major inhibitor to having clear, beautiful skin. Sugar also damages collagen and elastin, which keeps the skin looking soft and supple.”
Margarine
Margarine might be a substitute for butter but that doesn’t mean it’s heathy. “Not all fats are created equal, and margarine—more often than not—seems to give [other] fats a bad rep,” shares Dr. Tasneem Bhatia, MD, also known as “Dr.Taz,” a weight loss expert. “The culprit in margarine is trans fat, which destroys hydration. The less your skin is hydrated, the faster the wrinkles appear.”
Candy
Candy is another foods to reduce or avoid when it comes to looking older than you really are. “Processed sugar is quickly processed in the body and can lead to a high insulin response and fast weight gain,” says St. John. “Plus, high intakes of [candy] can negatively affect dental health and nothing ages you faster than a discolored—or missing!—smile.”
Fast Foods
“Restaurants will typically use corn oil, one of the unhealthiest oils,” says Orlick Levy. “When consumed, it releases free radicals in the body. Free radical damage or oxidative stress has numerous effects on health and well-being, including heart disease and wrinkles.”
Alcohol
“The occasional glass (or two) of wine is no harm to you or your skin, but drinking to excess, especially sugary drinks [see above], causes free radicals. Alcohol also robs the body of vitamin A, an antioxidant that’s essential for cell renewal and turnover,” offers Dr. Taz. “If you do drink, reach for drinks without added sugars, such as wine, champagne, or a vodka soda with lime. Also, be sure to drink in moderation and alternate each alcoholic drink with a water,” advises Bedwell. Or, the next time a friend wants to grab a drink to catch up, suggest a green tea date!
Energy Drinks
“Energy drinks are very high in sugar and very acidic, which can damage teeth and leave them more prone to stains that will age your smile. Plus, their high caffeine and sodium content can lead to dehydration, especially if you are drinking them instead of water, offers Sarah-Jane Bedwell, RD, LDN, a Nashville-based nutritionist and author of Schedule Me Skinny: Plan to Lose Weight and Keep it Off in Just 30 Minutes a Week. “Since dehydration is one of the main factors that contributes to older looking skin, aim to drink the recommended 8-10 glasses of water per day…and even more if you’re consuming alcohol or working out.”