As we continue to get older and wiser, our physical bodies age with us. One of the goals of healthy eating is to delay the effects of aging on our organs, including, of course, our skin. With that in mind, we’ve been doing our best to eat lots of anti-aging foods, which are known to proven to keep you looking young. And, of course, using our will-power to resist the pull of these foods that age you faster. Yet, when it comes to the best food for anti-aging, the food to keep you looking young is not what you think!
Would you believe us if we told you a food commonly misconstrued to cause weight gain, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and a whole host of other maladies, is actually the one food to keep you looking young? It’s true! Plus, we’re almost positive you’ve heard it before if you’ve been following the low-carb, high-fat keto diet.
We’re talking about fat, of course. And the truth is, we really do need it! According to Dr. Sharon Stills, a naturopath specializing in women’s health, fat is “one of the more commonly-misunderstood nutrients” because there are a lot of health benefits that come from a regular healthy amount of fatty foods in your diet.
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A recent article published in Women’s International Pharmacy says “eating a balanced diet that includes dietary fat promotes better sleep, provides more energy, reduces cravings for unhealthy foods, and changes body composition for the healthier, all of which support the goal of delaying the aging process.” Dr. Stills couldn’t agree more, provided that the dietary fat we’re talking about is the “good” kind.
“Good” fats are those that contain higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and lauric acid, on the one hand, and lower levels of omega-6 fatty acids, saturated fats, and zero trans fats, on the other.
Those omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important in terms of keeping your skin looking young. According to the journal Nutrition for Healthy Skin, consuming a good portion of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet will help your overall skin health. It keeps the skin looking moisturized and prevents your skin from drying out, according to Healthline.
Examples of good fats include those found in salmon, sardines, mackerel, avocados, walnuts, pecans, coconut oil, avocado oil, and all these good-for-you seeds. As registered dietitian Marta Ferraz Valles says, there’s a big difference between eating fat in the form of walnuts, flaxseeds, and avocados instead of getting it from butter, cheese, and bacon.
So, go ahead and indulge in these deliciously healthy and, yes, fatty foods, and see if you don’t notice a more youthful glow. And make sure to sign up for our newsletter for more healthy eating tips.
