Scientific studies have shown that cells can regenerate themselves in two ways; either by replacement with a weaker cell or by replacement with a stronger cell. The foods that we eat contribute to which route cell regeneration takes. There are certain foods and food types that promote weaker cell regeneration, which can lead to signs of aging, and there are foods that promote healthier cell regeneration, which can keep the signs of aging at bay.

Unhealthy cell regeneration can be caused by the following foods:

• Refined carbohydrates
• Sugar
• Caffeine
• White flour
• Processed foods
• Artificial sweeteners
• Alcohol
• Artificial colourings and additives
• Fatty and processed meats
• Vegetable and hydrogenated oils
• Fried food
• Foods containing mercury (e.g. many types of fish such as tuna)
• Genetically modified foods

Healthy cell regeneration can be promoted through the following foods:

• Raw seeds, nuts and grains
• Fruit
• Vegetables (including leafy greens)
• Bean and lentils
• Seaweed
• Barley greens
• Antioxidants
• Olive and evening primrose oil
• Foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids
• Foods containing Omega 4 or 5 fatty acids

It is important to base your diet on certain types of foods if you are looking to delay or reverse the signs of aging, and the good news is that a great deal of this food is probably incorporated into your daily diet anyway. All you have to do is identify the good foods from the bad, and make sure that your diet leans heavily towards the good foods. Quite simply, you need to:

• Incorporate a variety of foods into your diet
• Eat a diet high in grain products, fruits and vegetables
• Eat a diet low in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol
• Use low to moderate amounts of sugar, salt, and alcohol
• Balance energy intake with physical activity

Although diet plays a large part in the anti aging process, it is important to remember that there are other factors in play in the skin rejuvenation process as well. It seems pretty pointless to change the things that you eat if you are simply going to smoke twenty cigarettes a day, allow your skin to frazzle in the midday sun, and gulp back twenty cups of coffee. You need to ensure that you take all of the necessary steps to promote health and well being. This includes:

Cutting out cigarettes: Apart from putting you at risk of cancer and heart disease, cigarettes can make you look older than you are. Long term smokers tend to end up with very deep wrinkling of the skin, premature age spots, and a host of other skin problems.

Avoiding unprotected exposure to sun: The sun’s UV rays can have a very damaging effect on the skin, and can result in very haggard, old looking skin and deep wrinkles. Like cigarettes, unprotected sun exposure also puts you at risk of getting cancer. You should ensure that you always wear UV protection in the form of a barrier cream or sunscreen, which can block the sun’s rays. Also, minimize time spent in intense, direct sunlight (usually midday) as this has a damaging effect on your skin.

Take care of your skin: It is still important to look after your skin even if you have developed a good anti aging diet plan. This means cleaning, toning, and moisturizing twice daily with appropriate products. You can find plenty of anti aging products on the market these days, and you can even try natural skin care products and home remedies. A good facial skin care routine will help to keep your skin feeling fresh, rejuvenated, supple, and soft.

Summary

If you want to enjoy the benefits of younger, fresher skin and all around health without having to resort to medical procedures and surgery, the combination of a good diet and healthy living can make a real difference. With a little time and commitment, you should be able to see a real difference in the way you look and feel.