We all know one thing for sure: aging is an unavoidable fact of life. But accelerating towards it can be influenced by a variety of conditions to our benefit or disadvantage.
Although it may be difficult to turn the hands of time around, changing certain lifestyle decisions may slow the aging process. Eating and aging continue to intertwine, whether consuming foods that cause wrinkles or speed up the process.
Foods high in salt
Though the body needs sodium, too many salty foods can cause the body to retain water, swell, and contribute to "puffiness." In places where the skin is thin, especially around the eyes, much of the swelling is seen. While the salt shaker is a more visible type of sodium, deli and cured meats, canned soups and beans, bread, and cheeses are concealed sources.
Fast food
Sadly, much of the appeal of fast food is not expanded beyond the productivity of having fast, easy meals. While some food establishments may have healthier choices, they also lack nutritional value. Huge amounts of calories, fats, salt, preservatives, and risk of inflammation are actually what you are ordering at fast-food restaurants, from the deep-fryer filled with oil to the sugary condiments.
Candy
Candy can be one of the body's most enticing and dissatisfying "food" choices. While the link between a high-sugar diet and health, including the dangers of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, is well known, it can intensify the aging process by triggering inflammatory responses in the body. Sugary products are also potential foods that cause wrinkles, pose a risk of dental caries, and can be one of the worst foods for the skin overall health.
Packaged Pastries
While it may please taste buds to fall into the temptation of packaged donuts or cakes, they tend to leave the body a lot to be desired. In essence, such pastries are nothing more than fats, oils, and refined flours and sugars, and can result in inflammation within the body, thereby speeding the aging process.
Alcohol
While red wine does display positive longevity effects, too much alcohol can speed up the aging process. And its white counterpart, compared to the advantages of red wine, can be a possible risk factor in the growth of skin cancer. When it comes to alcohol consumption, scholars and health professionals generally promote the practice of moderation, urging men to consume no more than two alcoholic portions a day and women restricting consumption to one serving.
