5 Anti-Aging Foods to Support Your 40s-and-Beyond Body

Posted on October 19th, 2022

Beautiful, glowing skin starts with how we eat, but these anti-aging foods can also help with more than that.

When we pack our diet with vibrant foods loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, water, and essential nutrients, our body will show its appreciation through its largest organ: our skin. After all, the skin is often the first part of our body to show internal trouble, and there’s only so much that lotions, creams, masks, and serums can do before we need to take a closer look at what’s fueling us.

Researchers have even concludedTrusted Source that eating fruits and veggies is the safest and healthiest way to combat dull complexions and fine lines. Ready to glow? Here are 10 of the best anti-aging foods to nourish your body for a glow that comes from within.

1. Watercress

The health benefits of watercress don’t disappoint! This nutrient-dense hydrating leafy green is a great source of:

• calcium
• potassium
• manganese
• phosphorus
• vitamins A, C, K, B-1, and B-2

Watercress acts as an internal skin antiseptic and increases the circulation and delivery of mineralsTrusted Source to all cells of the body, resulting in enhanced oxygenation of the skin. Packed with vitamins A and C, the antioxidants in watercressTrusted Source may neutralize harmful free radicals, helping to keep fine lines and wrinkles away.

2. Red bell pepper

Red bell peppers are loaded with antioxidantsTrusted Source which reign supreme when it comes to anti-aging. In addition to their high content of vitamin C — which is good for collagen production — red bell peppers contain powerful antioxidants called carotenoids.

Carotenoids are plant pigments responsible for the bright red, yellow, and orange colors you see in many fruits and vegetables. They have a variety of anti-inflammatory propertiesTrusted Source and may help protect skin from sun damageTrusted Source, pollution, and environmental toxins.

To try: Slice bell peppers and dip them in hummus as a snack, add them into a raw salad, or cook them up in a stir-fry.

3. Papaya

This delicious superfood is rich in a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that may help to improveTrusted Source skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These include:

• vitamins A, C, K, and E
• calcium
• potassium
• magnesium
• phosphorus
• B vitamins

The wide range of antioxidants in papaya helps to fight free radical damage and may delay signs of agingTrusted Source. Papaya also contains an enzyme called papain, which provides additional anti-aging benefits by working as one of nature’s best anti-inflammatory agents. It’s also found in many exfoliating products.

So yes, eating papaya (or using products containing papain) may help your body shed dead skin cells, leaving you with glowing, vibrant skin!

To try: Drizzle fresh lime juice over a big plate of papaya as part of your breakfast or make a papaya mask at home for your next night in!

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as an age-defying antioxidant called anthocyanin. This is what gives blueberries their deep, beautiful blue color.

These powerful antioxidantsTrusted Source may help protect skin from damage due to the sun, stress, and pollution by moderating the inflammatory response and preventing collagen lossTrusted Source.

To try: Throw this delicious, low-sugar fruit into a morning smoothie or fruit bowl, and let it provide a beautifying punch!

5. Broccoli

Broccoli is an anti-inflammatory, anti-aging powerhouse packed with:

• vitamins C and K
• a variety of antioxidants
• fiber
• folate
• lutein
• calcium

Your body needs vitamin C for the production of collagen, the main protein in skin that gives it strength and elasticity.

To try: You can eat broccoli raw for a quick snack, but if you have the time, gently steam before eating. From charred bites to pesto sauces, cooking broccoli actually helps release more health benefits for your body.

Source: HealthLine