Did you know the most powerful weapon against aging is your fork?  We now know that what we eat and how we eat it contributes directly to premature aging in skin.

The key is to make smart food choices and it doesn’t have to be complicated.  Here, we break it down into 6 key food rules to follow so that you can start to look younger today.

1. Lower your sugar levels

A high blood sugar level is the biggest cause of skin damage.  You can start to lower your sugar levels immediately by reducing the amount of sugar you consume in your diet.

Seek low GI carbs, such as sweet potato, peas, rolled oats, spelt and quinoa which will give you energy and mental function without dramatically increasing your blood sugar levels.  Drink hot drinks without sugar and switch your sweets for 2-3 pieces of fresh fruit daily.

2. Eat alkalizing foods

Alkalizing foods promote younger looking skin because they help to remove toxins from the body and improve blood flow to the skin, which gives your skin a healthy glow.

Eat apple cider vinegar, lemons and limes, avocado, raw almonds, tomato, bananas, and pretty much all vegetables, in particular raw spinach.

3. Don’t brown your foods

When you brown your foods by toasting, frying or roasting, you are triggering a corrosive process called oxidation.  This process causes damage to your cells, such as that which happens to old cars when rust appears.

Cooking in liquid is a great alternative, as it allows you to keep the temperatures low and avoid oxidation.  We recommend cooking a casserole with added lemon or tomato for lunch or dinner, and eating untoasted wholemeal bread or grains for breakfast.

4. Choose purple, black or red varieties

The purple, black or red pigment in foods in caused by powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins.  These antioxidants are truly your skin’s best friend, as they help to protect your cells from oxidative damage.

Antioxidants are also considered the best protection against free radical damage, which degrades collagen and skin elasticity over time.  (A good night’s sleep also helps: How to Wake Up With the Most Radiant Skin of Your Life.)

There are some wonderful purple, black and red foods, such as purple kale, purple basil, red quinoa, black rice, black sesame seeds, blueberries, pomegranate and kumato, just to name a few!

5. Reduce your red meat intake

Red meat, especially if it is roasted, grilled or fried, delivers a high dose of free radical and oxidative damage.  Reduce your intake of red meat every couple of days by substituting meals with white meat, whole-grains or legumes.

6. Cook with spices instead of salt

Not only do spices make your food super tasty, they also protect your skin from factors that cause aging.  For example, yellow curry powders such as turmeric, cumin and ginger encourage collagen formation, low blood sugar levels and anti-aging enzymes, while cloves and cinnamon are extremely potent with antioxidants.

Conclusion

These 6 key rules truly encompass the concept of beauty from the inside out.  Combined with an effective skincare routine, such as that offered by Ogee’s organic skincare range, making smart food choices is one of the most powerful ways you can make yourself look younger.