We’ve all seen the anti-aging products, row after row of them, each with a list of complicated, scientific-sounding ingredients that we may never have heard of but that are nevertheless meant to contain the magical solution to stopping us from looking and feeling old.
Generally, a lot of these ingredients are things we should be obtaining naturally through what we eat. I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: a balanced diet that provides every nutrient your body could possibly need is one of the best things you can do for your health.
It’s important to remember that anti-aging isn’t just about looking young. It’s also about overall health. Conditions ranging from high blood pressure to osteoporosis and dementia are all more common as you get older, so getting the right vitamins and minerals isn’t just cosmetic vanity; it’s for your overall wellbeing.
There are a few ingredients that tend to recur in anti-aging products. Vitamins A and C, for example, both contain compounds that are vital for keeping your skin healthy, and tired, wrinkly skin is one of the clearest visible signs of aging. When it comes to minerals, there are also some specific things to look out for if aging is your main concern.
Osteoporosis is a condition that is most common among the elderly. The main feature is weakened bones that may easily break. There are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis or manage it once it appears, and making sure you get enough calcium is near the top of the list.
Magnesium is useful for everything from repairing DNA to helping avoid high blood pressure. Selenium can also assist in keeping your DNA in good shape, which is important in terms of long-term health and how you age.
Minerals that protect and boost the immune system have benefits in terms of your long-term wellbeing. Zinc is one example. Zinc can also help your collagen, which is the connective protein in skin that can form a big part of the visible effects of aging if it isn’t looked after.
These are just some of the minerals your body needs to survive, and nearly every one can also have a bearing on aging, whether in physical appearance or in trying to avoid age-related medical conditions.
