People think that stress is the number one cause of premature aging and graying of your hair, but that’s not the only culprit. The way you look and how well you age has a lot to do with what you put in your body. Here are five foods that we eat that is making us age as much as 20 years with every bite.
1. Agave
You might use it as a replacement or healthier option for sugar, but you may want to think twice after looking in the mirror. Agave is often used in baked goods, smoothies or just on top of foods, but this sweet syrup is packed with fructose. Once the liver meets fructose, it not only turns it into fat but also breaks down collagen, making fine lines more noticeable.
2. Margarine
Not all fats are created equal, and margarine was always marketed as the “healthier” option to butter–um wrong, not always. It’s the trans fat in margarine that destroys hydration. The less your skin is hydrated, the faster the wrinkles appear.
Eat This Instead: Real butter (in moderation) or extra virgin olive oil can help.
3. Potato Chips
Say it ain’t so! The ingredients in potato chips will dry up your internal fountain of youth super fast. Consuming trans fatty acids stimulate interleukin 6 within the body. Interleukin 6 is a marker of inflammation, which is associated with aging. In addition, fried and deep fried oils, even those made with made with vegetable oils, can impair cell respiration and reduce immune functions within the body.
Eat This Instead: try whole grain crackers or chopped veggies like zucchini sticks or celery
4. Pepperoni Pizza
By far, this is one of the most requested and eaten pizzas in the U.S. But, while this little slice might be your…
… favorite, it can add a whopping 20 years to your body. Here’s why: The nitrates and other compounds in processed meats, such as pepperoni, are known to be pro-inflammatory. Inflammation causes aging from inside out. In addition, the saturated fat in it ages the heart.
Eat This Instead: Try a veggie pizza or just a plain cheese pizza. Other meat toppings may be slightly better, but not much. Plus, adding veggies to your pizza will help you digest all that cheese!
Sugary Liquor
The occasional glass (or two) of wine is no harm to you or your skin, but drinking those pretty, fruity and often sugary mixed drinks, causes free radicals. Alcohol also robs the body of vitamin A, an antioxidant that’s essential for cell renewal and turnover. 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 wash down all that alcohol with a water chaser at the end of the night or in between alcoholic drinks if you’re drinking more than three drinks.
EXTRA: Store Bought/Processed Baked Goods
We didn’t want to include this because we love sweets so much, but had to share the truth. Yes, that’s right; you may need to step away from the bakery aisle. Baked goods and other sweets are often rich in added sugars and fat, which can lead to weight gain and poor dental health. Sugar also promotes an unhealthy microbiome and it is also pro-inflammatory. All of these characteristics can accelerate the aging process. Eat This Instead: try baking your own treats or substitute the sugary taste with more fruit options in your baked goodness.
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