5 WAYS PLANT-BASED DIETS PREVENT PREMATURE AGING

June 18, 2018 by Renee Tavoularis

The Western diet fails to provide much of the essential nutrition to maintain optimal skin health. The plant-based diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. By following this pattern of eating, discover 5 ways to help prevent premature aging and support healthy skin.

1. ANTIOXIDANT RICH

Carotenoids and polyphenols are a broad group of antioxidants naturally found in plant foods that help protect the skin from environmental aggressors that cause premature skin aging. These naturally derived antioxidants can be found in foods such as tomato's, dark leafy greens, orange/red produce, berries, grapes and teas.

2. LOADED WITH NATURALLY OCCURRING ENZYMES

Plant-based foods are naturally higher in fiber but some also contain digestive enzymes to encourage optimal digestion (and reduce bloating or indigestion). Pineapple, papaya, fermented vegetables, wheat grass juice, parsley to ginger or peppermint teas support digestion. 

3. HEALTHY FATS & OILS

Plant-based diets predominately contain unsaturated fatty acids (over saturated fats found in animal sources,) found in nuts, seeds, and oils. Avocado, chia, hemp, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, brazil nuts provide a good balance of fats in the diet. These healthy fats and oils also help give skin its radiant and smooth look.

4. MINERAL RICH FOR BALANCED pH

In a normal state, the human body is slightly alkaline in all areas except for the digestive tract and the urinary tract. The typical North American diet is highly acidic and promotes an inflammatory environment in the body. Mineral-buffering reserves found in plant-based foods can help offset excess acidity and keep the body in a slightly alkaline state to promote overall wellness. 

5. NATURALLY DETOXIFYING

Cruciferous foods such as cabbage or broccoli contain sulphoraphane, that helps neutralize toxins in the body. Plus, the high fiber content in a plant-based diet binds to and removes toxins in the digestive tract before they can be absorbed into the body.
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