- 1. Citrus fruits, broccoli and tomatoes
- 2. Cereal grains and oils
- 3. Yellow, orange or red leafy vegetables
- 4. Berries, wine and green tea
- 5. Dried fruits, poultry and seafood
The most effective foods to combat premature aging are those rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin A, C and E, carotenoids, flavonoids and selenium, capable of neutralizing free radicals. These antioxidants can be found in most fruits, vegetables and grains, which are foods that further contribute to reducing the risk of numerous diseases.
Aging is a natural process of the body that can be accelerated by stress, pollution, exposure to the sun and toxins, hence the importance of anti-oxidants, which are important in combating free radicals, induced by these factors. In addition, some substances present in processed foods can also accelerate aging, so these foods should be avoided.
1. Citrus fruits, broccoli and tomatoes
Citrus and highly pigmented fruits such as mango, orange, peach, acerola, papaya, melon and guava and vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, peppers and cabbage, are rich in vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, which is an important anti -oxidizing agent, very abundant in the body, mainly in the skin.
This vitamin is essential for the synthesis of collagen, favors microcirculation, decreases skin reactions and also helps to protect the skin from solar radiation.
See more benefits of vitamin C.
2. Cereal grains and oils
Some cereal grains and their oils, such as wheat germ, corn, soy and peanuts and foods such as eggs, liver, meat, fish and dairy products are rich in vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble vitamin that protects cells from lipid peroxidation and it also stabilizes the membranes of other cellular structures.
In addition, like vitamin C, vitamin E also helps to protect the skin from solar radiation. Learn about other functions of vitamin E in the body.
3. Yellow, orange or red leafy vegetables
Foods such as leafy vegetables and yellow, orange or red pigmented vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes, squash, peppers and oranges, are rich in carotenoids, which also have anti-oxidant properties.
Carotenoids, especially lycopene, have the ability to inhibit free radical damage.
4. Berries, wine and green tea
Red fruits, such as acerola, strawberry, blackberry and açaí, are foods rich in flavonoids, substances that have a great contribution in preventing premature aging.
In addition, wine, black tea, green tea and soy are foods / drinks that also have flavonoids, however, some of them should be ingested in moderation.
See other foods where you can find flavonoids and the health benefits.
5. Dried fruits, poultry and seafood
Selenium, present in foods such as dried fruits, poultry, seafood, garlic, tomatoes, corn, soybeans, lentils, fish and crustaceans, is also a powerful anti-oxidant that protects cell membranes, nucleic acids and proteins against degradation by free radicals.
In addition, several studies prove that selenium prevents the occurrence of DNA damage caused by UV radiation. Discover all the benefits of selenium.
