As we age, we have little influence over how our bodies age. The worst thing, though, is that it manifests itself first on the skin. Although we cannot stop the aging process, we can slow down or postpone the visible effects on our skin. What if we told you that your plate may potentially hold the secret to looking young forever? While a lot of us concentrate on eating foods that claim to have anti-aging properties, we frequently ignore the foods that really accelerate aging and may even cause premature aging. Before adjusting our diets, these ought to be thrown out. Make allies after befriending the opposition.

The Following Foods May Hasten the Aging Process

1. Sugar refined

Consuming too much sugar, particularly refined sugar, might hasten aging. Consuming a lot of sugar can cause glycation, a condition in which carbohydrates attach themselves to proteins to create dangerous compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Wrinkles and sagging skin can result from AGEs’ destruction to collagen and elastin. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, fructose and sugar combine with the amino acids found in collagen to form AGEs. For the same reason, nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee suggests avoiding desserts.

2. Junk Food Fried

Fried foods frequently contain hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are essentially trans fats and are well-known for their harmful effects on the skin and overall health. They not only increase levels of unhealthy cholesterol but also stimulate inflammation, which accelerates aging. According to Ayush Mathur, a fat loss coach, eating these meals also dehydrates you, which manifests as skin problems.

Solution: Steer clear of junk food whenever you can. However, as long as you consume them periodically and prepare them yourself at home, you can still enjoy your favorite fried dishes.

3. Excessive Alcohol

While there may be some health benefits to moderate alcohol use, consuming too much alcohol can hasten aging. Because alcohol dehydrates the body, wrinkles and dry skin result. According to a study that was published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, drinking alcohol weakens the antioxidant defense mechanism of the skin, giving the appearance of older age.

Solution: Drink in moderation for enjoyment rather than as a daily habit. View the experts’ recommendations on moderation in drinking here. Even better, stay away from alcohol completely.

4. Meat Products

Sausage, pepperoni, and hot dogs are examples of processed meats that frequently have high salt, sulfurite, and saturated fat content. According to Healthline, consuming these meats in excess can dry the skin and damage collagen, which can cause inflammation of the skin.

The only thing to do is to immediately give up processed meats.

5. An excess of caffeine

Although caffeine has numerous health benefits, including for our skin, consuming too much of it might damage your skin and age you. According to a study from the Medical University of Bialystok, caffeine inhibits the production of collagen, which causes the skin to become less elastic and exhibit indications of aging.