These are the two foods that age us the most

The skin not only shows the passage of time, it also It reflects our eating habits. Processes like chronic inflammation and glycation —when excess sugars adhere to proteins and fats, accelerating cellular deterioration—they can leave visible signs on the face even before other symptoms of illness appear.

“Skin is a marker of our general health; “What we see on its surface is the reflection of what happens inside,” says pharmacist and dietitian-nutritionist María José Cachafeiro, author of the book Rejuvenate by eating (Hestia), in statements to Europa Press Salud Infosalus.

Although aging is an inevitable processthe specialist emphasizes that nutrition—along with rest and physical exercise—can modulate the speed at which it occurs. “Can promote brighter, less inflamed and metabolically healthier skin”, he states.

As he explains, everything we eat ends up nourishing the body’s cells, including those of the skin. Therefore, this organ is one of the first to reflect both good and bad habits.

Foods that accelerate aging

Cachafeiro warns that certain products They promote processes such as oxidation, chronic inflammation and glycationfactors directly related to visible aging. Among them, ultra-processed foods—which he prefers to call “edibles”—and foods with high sugar content stand out.

“Aging cannot be stopped, because our body ages from the moment we are born, but we can slow it down or, at least, not accelerate it,” he explains. To do this, he recommends paying attention to both the quality of the food and the cooking methods.

In addition to diet, insist on the importance of sleeping well, practicing regular physical exercise and maintaining an appropriate cosmetic routine.

Are there foods that rejuvenate?

Rather than talking about “miracle” products, the expert is committed to healthy eating patterns which, when adopted, show visible improvements in a short timeespecially if a balanced diet was not followed before.

Foods rich in omega-3 —like the fatty fish, seeds, nuts or extra virgin olive oil— have a high anti-inflammatory power. The role of vegetables and fruits also stands out, especially red fruits, due to their high antioxidant content, which helps reduce cellular oxidation and restore luminosity to the skin.

In addition, vegetables provide phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory effect, helping to improve both general health and skin appearance.

Cachafeiro concludes that It is never too late to improve eating habits. Each daily choice adds or subtracts to the condition of the skin. To this you can add other factors such as staying active, practicing small controlled fasts, resting adequately and taking care of your social life.

“The sooner you start adding, the better. But even if you start late, a healthy diet will be reflected in your skin”, assures the specialist.