Did you know that the consumption of sugar can have a direct effect on developing wrinkles? Sugar doesn’t only rot your teeth and cause weight gain but it seems to cause wrinkles too!
Slowing Glycation to prevent the development of wrinkles
Have you ever heard of Glycation?
Glycation is the term used by scientists to explain the process of wrinkling.
Here’s the science bit – it’s the cross-linking of protein molecules with sugar molecules to form new sugar proteins called AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products).
Skin professionals are familiar with the term because the glycation process can affect the skin by making it wrinkle and age. As you age, the body produces more AGEs according to the amount of sugar (processed or natural) you consume.
AGEs affect the collagen (elasticity) of the delicate cells of the skin and cause stiffness, loss of elasticity and ultimate wrinkling of the skin. Although you can’t completely stop the glycation process, you can take steps to minimize its effects.
Sugars are definitely detrimental to the ageing process, but another enemy of your skin and the glycation process are refined carbohydrates. The carbs you likely consume on a daily basis are full of sugar and starch.
Foods containing flour, grains, sugar and vegetables containing starch such as corn and potatoes are high in carbohydrates as are most processed foods.
Proteins such as nuts, meat, eggs, lemons, strawberries and a variety of vegetables (especially leafy greens) are considered to be low-carb foods and much easier for your system to digest.
Some tips to slow down the damaging process of glycation include:
1. Eat more protein foods.
2. Avoid sugary drinks. Besides the low nutritional value, sugary drinks leave you hungry and promote weight gain.
3. Add more veggies to your diet. Choose leafy green vegetables, stem foods (cauliflower and asparagus), fruits and root/seed (radishes and carrots).
4. Eat good fats. The good fats include coconut, avocado, olive oil, nuts, flax and chia seeds and fatty fish.
5. Choose brown, not white. Avoid potatoes, white flour, white sugar and rice and instead, choose whole grain and brown products, such as brown rice.
6. Cut your portions. Especially cut down on the high carb foods you’ve been eating and add more veggies and healthy fats.
7. Don’t eat anything that comes out of a packet. This is good advice because most foods that come out of a packet have had some sort of processing. If you eat foods in their original natural form then you are less likely to eat hidden sugars and refined carbs.
Slowing the glycation process will also have many good effects on your health. You might even lose unwanted pounds and feel and look better from the healthy choices you make!
