What we eat and what we drink directly influences a multitude of aspects of our daily life. Weight, obviously, but also overall health, the quality of the skin, hair and nails, fatigue, concentration, without forgetting sports or professional performance. If certain excesses are known, other food choices, seemingly harmless, are much less so. In an interview with CNBC, American cosmetic surgeon Anthony Youn drew up a list of six foods to avoid to preserve your health and live longer words then deciphered by dietician-nutritionist Alexandra Murcier in.
Doctissimo.
Foods that accelerate aging without you thinking about it
Before increasing the number of sessions at the gym or considering a few injections at a cosmetic surgeon, it is essential to take a close look at the contents of your plate. Dr Anthony Youn recalls that diet plays a key role in aging mechanisms. Of course, sodas, processed foods and excess sugar are among the well-known culprits. But the doctor insists that other foods, sometimes consumed without a second thought, also deserve to be limited on a daily basis.
Among them, burnt or charred food. Over-grilled meats, crispy bacon or blackened foods produce substances that promote inflammation, increase the risk of cancer and accelerate cellular aging.
Sweet drinks constitute another point of alert. Juices, sodas or industrial iced teas cause blood sugar spikes responsible for the glycation phenomenon. Also pay attention to drinks that display a healthy image. Flavored water can contain enough sugar to no longer be harmless to your health, despite its “healthy” appearance.
Why are dairy products problematic?
Ultra-processed snacks are among the foods that almost go without saying when we talk about premature aging. Cereal bars, biscuits, chips, candies or industrial cakes often contain an unfavorable combination of additives, preservatives and refined sugars. Their low fiber content causes rapid variations in blood sugar levels, which puts excessive strain on the body in the long term. Anthony Youn points out that these foods provide little nutritional benefit, while overloading the body.
More surprisingly, overconsumption of dairy products remains largely unknown to the general public. According to the surgeon, lactose and casein can have an inflammatory effect in certain people and impact the quality of the skin. Many health professionals therefore recommend turning to plant-based milks. Here again, vigilance remains essential. Some products have compositions high in added sugars, which quickly cancel out their initial benefits.
Rebalance your plates without going overboard
Foods that are too salty are other foods to limit.
Excess salt promotes water retention and can make skin look bloated and tired. To this are added
refined cerealslike white bread, white rice or classic pasta. Refining removes much of the fiber and nutrients, which again promotes blood sugar spikes.
Even though it may seem complex, adopting a balanced diet is not inaccessible once you have adopted the right reflexes. It is recommended to adopt a diet rich in antioxidants, vary nutrient sources and pay attention to the labels of products purchased at the supermarket. The dietician also recalls: “Nutrients like zinc, selenium and vitamin C, present in fruits and vegetables, help fight against oxidative stress caused by tobacco, pollution and even alcohol.” Finally, it remains important to treat yourself from time to time to avoid any frustration.
It’s always a question of balance.
