This article was originally published on May 18, 2017.
While there’s probably no better anti-aging regimen than a healthy, plant-based diet, regular exercise, and an obsession with SPF, there are a few anti-aging supplements associated with improved health at the cellular level—which translates to healthier, more supple skin better equipped to resist environmental damage. The following beautifying supplements can be easily incorporated into your regimen to help improve skin firmness and reduce the likelihood of prematurely developing wrinkles (just be sure to run them by your doc first!). I’ve personally taken most of these and have enjoyed the glowing results!
Where possible, we’ve also included plant-based foods that naturally contain these beneficial substances (proof that a vegan diet is awesome!).
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
This powerful antioxidant helps boost energy, repairs telomeres (i.e. protect your precious DNA as you age), reduce wrinkles, and improve skin firmness. Roxy Dillion, author of Bio Young: Get Younger at a Cellular and Hormonal Level explains that “by revving up the mitochondria, the tiny energy factories in your cells, CoQ10 makes every one of your cells younger.” If you want to load up on CoQ10 (whether or not you’re supplementing with it), eat plenty of strawberries, sesame seeds, broccoli, and oranges.
Astragalus
If you’re looking for additional ways to lend your DNA a helping hand, try incorporating Astragalus, an adaptogen associated with potentially elongating telomeres as well as improving your immunity and cognition. Here’s why we love adaptogens! (Hint: Adaptogenic herbs support the immune system and help the body cope with stress.)
L-Arginine
From improving libido to boosting metabolism, the benefits of this amino acid certainly aren’t shabby. L-Arginine works its magic by stimulating the pituitary gland to release more growth hormone (GH). Florence Comite, a doctor at New York’s Commit Center for Precision Medicine emphasizes why GH is so critical,“ GH supports your metabolism and the body’s ability to burn fat while increasing lean muscle tone.” She suggests starting with two grams daily and increasing your dosage to six grams. In addition to L-Arginine supplements, spirulina, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, and peanuts are all good sources of L-Arginine. (I think this gives us permission to further indulge in our hummus habit, no?)
Try our Greek Power Bowl topped with hummus.
Turmeric
Arguably the “It” supplement of the past few years, turmeric may help improve skin health and memory. The active ingredient, curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant associated with alleviating symptoms of psoriasis and acne—plus, it helps protect the brain. Finally, if all of that weren’t enough, turmeric is one of the most powerful naturally occurring anti-cancer substances. Enjoy turmeric in this warming golden turmeric milk. You can also try turmeric in Organic India Skin Renew supplements.
Cocoa Flavanols
Mmm, chocolate! The naturally occurring antioxidants in chocolate (cocoa flavanols) are associated with reduced cognitive decline and improved skin elasticity.
According to the Journal of Nutrition, “The ingestion of high flavanol cocoa led to increases in blood flow to cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, and to increases in skin density and skin hydration.” (Is there anything chocolate can’t do?) Although taking cocoa flavanol supplements is most effective because the active ingredients is very concentrated in supplements form, there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy a few bites of this vegan raw cacao bar.
Do you take any anti-aging supplements?
Related: Natural Beauty Goddess Josie Maran’s Philosophy On Aging Is Like A Warm Embrace
Best Books for Aging Gracefully
Aging Gracefully in Your Thirties
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Photo: Pexels, Lauren Kirchmaier, Mary Hood Luttrell
