Increased intake of simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar, white bread, and soda, cause insulin levels to spike, leading to a burst of inflammation throughout the body. Any type of inflammation is not good for the skin.
Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. as a result of increased rate of glycation. During glycation, sugar in the blood attaches to proteins to form molecules called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which make collagen dry and brittle.
The worst offenders
- White bread
- Candy
- Fried food
- Ice cream
- Fruit juice
- Pasta
- Ketchup
- Cream cheese
- Jam
- Pizza
- Sugar (white and brown)
- Packaged snacks
- sodas.
In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers studied the diets of 453 adults living in different countries and found that those who consumed more fish, olive oil and legumes were less prone to wrinkles than those who ate more meat, butter, high fat dairy and sugar.
Advanced glycation end products or (appropriate acronym of the century) AGEs not only cause protein fibres to become malformed they also contribute to connective tissue damage, chronic inflammation, heart disease and diabetes.
How to Prevent it, Naturally.
There’s a way to prevent skin damage and boost collagen production naturally- and it all begins with cutting down sugar intake.
There are many foods found in nature contain the nutrients required to form collagen, making your diet the best weapon against fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Some of them are listed below,
- Bone Broth
- Salmon
- Chlorella
- Leafy Greens
- Citrus
- Eggs
- Berries
- Tomatoes
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Avocados
- Garlic
- Chia Seeds
AVOID SUGAR AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.