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Eat to Defy Age: Top 5 Foods to Fight Wrinkles and Premature Ageing

We all want healthy and glowing skin, but do you know that your skin reflects what you eat? Healthy skin needs vital nutrients, a balanced diet, enough water, and quality sleep. When these aspects are balanced, it truly shows on our skin. While we cannot stop or avoid wrinkles entirely as they are a natural sign of ageing we can significantly delay them with healthy food choices and a supportive lifestyle.

When it comes to premature ageing or wrinkles, it often happens due to Sun damage and the loss of two crucial proteins: collagen and elastin. These two proteins take care of our skin and keep it healthy, young and firm. When UV rays hit our skin, it reduces the production of these proteins, increasing free radicals and leading to premature ageing. As we age, the skin starts losing its firmness and elasticity. Other factors that contribute to this process are pollution, smoking, stress, dehydration, lack of sleep and unhealthy food habits.

5 Powerful Foods Help Fight Wrinkles and Premature Ageing

  1. Avocado:
    Avocado is a fruit with healthy fats. It has fiber and many nutrients like Folate, Magnesium, Potassium, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. Vitamin E aids skin nourishment, reduces scars and fights free radicals. Avocado is high in the antioxidant glutathione, which helps the body to detoxify and keeps skin clear of acne and wrinkles.
  2. Berries:
    All the berries are extremely rich in antioxidants, are a good source of Fiber, Vitamin C, Manganese, Vitamin K1, Copper and Folate. Those are rich in Flavonoids, Vitamins and Polyphenol. So berries are perfect food to fight wrinkles and fine lines. Berries not only help in reducing wrinkles but also help in the regeneration of new skin cells. Add berries to your breakfast or morning smoothies.
  3. Buckwheat:
    It is gluten free, rich in fiber, Iron, provides B1, is a rich source of Magnesium and Calcium, Folate, helps in heart health and controls blood sugar levels and also reduces the signs of premature ageing. It has Bioflavonoid Rutin which helps to maintain the production of collagen in the skin and encourage the body’s utilization of Vitamin C.
  4. Papaya:
    Papaya is rich in a variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, C, K and E, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Vitamin B. These help to improve skin elasticity and minimize the fine lines and wrinkles. Papaya is rich in the enzyme papain and chymopapain which helps to reduce inflammation. It helps to reduce acne by removing dead skin cells, and remove damaged keratin which can build up on the skin and form small bumps.
  5. Sweet Potatoes:
    Sweet Potatoes are rich in Vitamin A, B, C, D, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Thiamine, Zinc. It has the antioxidant beta-carotene which is converted into Vitamin A and helps in restoring skin elasticity, prompts skin cell turnover, which means healthy glowing skin. The Vitamin C and E in it helps in protection of skin from free radicals and keeps complexion radiant. Both the Vitamins are crucial to keep skin healthy, glowing and supple. Vitamin C boosts collagen and promotes tightening of skin.

Unlocking Your 10-Year Younger Skin Routine

In addition to including these specific foods to your diet, make sure that you consume healthy fats, a variety of veggies and fruits, especially different colour veggies and fruits. Keep yourself well hydrated, do regular exercise, learn to manage stress and sleep well.

Simultaneously, make it a priority to reduce the consumption of:

  • Alcohol
  • Tea and coffee
  • Preserved canned food
  • Processed food

Our body does not have a voice, but it talks to us through signs and symptoms, so pay attention to the health of your skin to be healthy and fit. With good food habits, a healthy lifestyle, proper hydration, quality sleep and stress management, we can turn the clock on our skin to look 10 years younger.

We hope this article helps you fight wrinkles! Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more tips on skincare, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is the main cause of premature skin ageing?
    While factors like pollution, stress, and poor sleep contribute, the two single biggest hidden threats to youthful skin are Sun damage (UV exposure) and chronic inflammation. Over time, these destroy healthy skin cells and severely degrade the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin healthy and firm.
  2. Why is collagen so important for preventing wrinkles?
    Collagen (and elastin) are vital structural proteins that act as the scaffolding of your skin. They are responsible for its texture, firmness, and flexibility. As you age, your body produces less collagen naturally. Foods that support collagen specifically those high in Vitamin C and antioxidants like the ones listed above are essential for maintaining that firmness and delaying the onset of wrinkles.
  3. Does hydration alone really make you look younger?
    Hydration is non-negotiable for skin longevity. Water acts as the medium for all cellular processes, including the ones that clear toxins and repair cells. Dehydrated skin looks dull, lacks “plumpness,” and causes existing fine lines to appear much deeper. For a radiant complexion, regular hydration must be combined with nutrient-dense foods that feed your skin from the inside out.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, dermatologist, or a qualified nutritionist before making any significant changes to your diet, skincare routine, or lifestyle, especially if you have per-existing health conditions.

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Healthy Eating: Sweet Potato Sprouts Tikki

Healthy Eating: Sweet Potato Sprouts Tikki
If you’re all out of breakfast ideas or are tired of the repetitive choices you have, let’s take your breakfast or evening snacks up a notch with this Sweet Potato Sprouts Tikki recipe! This mouthwatering delight is rich in healthy carbs and protein – just the kind of kick you need to get your day started! 

What You Will Need 

  • Sweet potato – 1 cup (mashed)
  • Boiled sprouts – ½  cup
  • Broccoli – 1 cup (cut into florets) 
  • Grated homemade  Paneer (chenna) – 3 tablespoon
  • Sattu powder – 2 tbsp
  • Chaat masala – ¾th tsp
  • Turmeric – ¼  tsp
  • Ajwain or carom seeds – ¼ tsp 
  • Roasted cumin powder – ½  tsp
  • Black pepper powder – ½  tsp
  • Coriander – 2 tsp
  • Salt – as per taste
  • Olive oil – as needed.

How To Prepare

  1. Place sweet potato in a pressure cooker and cook it for 3-4 whistles. 
  2. Meanwhile, boil water and add broccoli florets to it. Cook for 2 mins and drain the water completely (or you can steam it for 5-7 min). 
  3. Grind the broccoli in a blender coarsely (just for a few seconds. It should not be like a paste). Squeeze the excess water from the grounded broccoli. 
  4. Take one peeled potato in the mixing bowl and mash it well without any lumps. 
  5. Then, add the grounded broccoli, grated paneer (chena), sattu powder, turmeric, chaat masala, boiled sprouts, cumin powder, black pepper, ajwain, coriander and salt.
  6. Mix well into a dough and divide into equal portions. Make equal sized balls and flatten them into tikkis. 
  7. Heat a pan with a few drops of oil and place the tikkis over it. Cook it on medium to low flame from both the sides till it turns golden. 
  8. Serve hot with green chutney!  

Highlight of the Sweet Potato Sprouts Tikki

  • The Sweet Potato Sprouts Tikki is rich in healthy carbs, protein, fiber and low in fat. It’s a complete meal.
  • Good choice for kids, pregnant & lactating mothers too. 
  • It is made up of sweet potato, which has several health benefits. It is rich in Antioxidant called beta carotene, which helps increase Vitamin A . 
  • It has a good amount of soluble and insoluble fiber along with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Potassium, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E.
  • The added sprouts, homemade paneer (chenna) and sattu are good sources of protein.
  • The added broccoli and coriander adds a good amount of fiber content.

If you enjoyed this recipe, let us know in the comments below. If you try it out, take some pictures and share it with us on your social media channels tagging GOQii! You can find more healthy recipes here or you can get them directly from your GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

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Foods That Help You Boost Your Mood

boost your mood

When we feel emotionally low, feel sad, anxious or frustrated, we get tempted to eat food that can lift our spirit. But in the bargain of improving our mood, we end up binging on sweets and junk food. These unhealthy foods can have negative outcomes of their own. So, to avoid those unwanted outcomes on your body, let’s look at healthy food sources that can help you boost your mood! 

Foods To Help You Boost Your Mood 

  1. Fermented Foods: The fermentation process allows the bacteria to thrive in foods, being able to convert sugars into alcohol and acids, creating probiotics. This helps increase serotonin levels. Kimchi, kefir, yogurt, kombucha and kanji are the sources of probiotics that support gut health and a healthy gut can help you boost your mood! 
  2. Fatty Fish: are rich sources of 2 types of Omega 3 – DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and E (eicosapentaenoic acid), both help lower the levels of depression. Salmon and albacore tuna are fishes we can include in our diet.
  3. Dark Chocolate: helps to improve mood as it may release a cascade of feel-good compounds such as caffeine, theobromine and N-acylethanolamine which is a substance chemically similar to cannabinoids that have been linked to improved mood. It is high in health-promoting flavonoids, which have been shown to increase blood flow to your brain, reduce inflammation, and boost brain health, all of which may support mood regulation.
  4. Banana: is a rich source of vitamin B6. It helps in the synthesis of neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. It is an excellent source of natural sugar and good probiotics, so it helps in keeping our mood up. 
  5. Whole Grains: like steel-cut oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, amaranth, millet, bulgur and wild rice are important sources of B vitamins, nutrients vital for brain health. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) helps in turning glucose into energy, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) helps in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (involved in learning and memory), vitamin B6 is needed to convert the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin, and vitamin B12 helps in the production of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which can boost your mood. 
  6. Berries: are packed with a wide range of antioxidants and phenolic compounds, which play a key role in combating oxidative stress and an imbalance of harmful compounds in our body. They are a good source of anthocyanins – the pigment in blue-purple colored berries, which helps lift the mood.
  7. Nuts and Seeds: are a good source of plant protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They are a good source of amino acids, which help in the production of serotonin. Seeds like sesame, pumpkin and sunflower aid brain function and can help in making you feel better.
  8. Coffee: Caffeine has been found to trigger the release of brain chemicals such as dopamine, which is important for performance and mood. Caffeine helps in the prevention of a naturally occurring compound called adenosine from attaching to the brain receptors that promote tiredness, therefore, increasing alertness and attention.
  9. Beans and Lentils: are high in fiber and plant-based protein. They are full of feel-good nutrients. They are an excellent source of B vitamins, which help improve mood by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), all of which are important for regulating mood. Vitamin B plays a key role in nerve signaling, which allows proper communication between nerve cells. Low levels of these vitamins, especially B12 and folate, can make us feel low.
  10. Leafy Green Vegetables: Spinach and other green vegetables contain folate. Green leafy veggies are an amazing source of vitamin B, fibre, iron, and folate which can help in improving brain function and produce neurotransmitters that help in boosting mood. Adding a good amount of green veggies to your diet will not only boost your mood but your overall health as well. 

With the above food, you should also exercise regularly, sleep for 7-8 hours and focus on the quality of sleep, manage stress and stay hydrated! We hope this article helps you. For more on nutrition, check out Healthy Reads or reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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The Effect Of Complex Carbs On High Cholesterol

complex carbs

The ill effects of high cholesterol is not alien knowledge to us. We all know how it impacts our health and wellbeing. Before we delve into the role complex carbs play with regards to high cholesterol, let’s understand what cholesterol is. It is a waxy substance which our body needs to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. But, too much cholesterol is a problem. There is good cholesterol and there is bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol is HDL, which is heart friendly fat and bad cholesterol is LDL, Triglycerides which should be within limit. If it increases, it can cause cardiac issues. 

Cholesterol comes from two sources in our body:

  1. From the food we eat like meat, poultry, dairy products, etc.
  2. Our liver makes and releases it in our body

The Correlation of Complex Carbs and Cholesterol  

Carbohydrates is a group of chemical substances made up of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. They include starches, sugars, glycogen, dextrins and celluloses. There are 2 types of Carbohydrates: Simple carbs and Complex Carbs. Both affect our cholesterol levels differently. 

  1. Simple Carbs: are refined, processed and have less fiber in it. They have a high glycemic index and affect blood sugar. Increased blood sugar will raise insulin levels which may increase cholesterol. Simple carbs are found in sugar, soda, white rice, white bread, pasta, pizza, noodles,cakes, cookies, snacks such as chips, nachos, etc.
  2. Complex Carbs: are high in fiber, Vitamins, and Minerals. The body will take time to break down and release energy/glucose. As complex carbs are high in fiber, it helps reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides, helps in healthy heart function, and improves bowel movements. Oatmeal, oat bran, kidney beans, and brussels sprouts are good carbs; they have more soluble fiber, which helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol that gets absorbed into the bloodstream. We should include at least 5 to 10 gms of soluble fiber per day to see beneficial effects. Good sources of complex carbs include whole grains, beans, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.

You should include complex carbs in their natural form. For example: 

  • Have whole fruit instead of fruit juice, soft drinks.
  • Go with whole grain instead of processed flours or refined flours.
  • Limit foods that are high in processed, refined food, simple sugar, which provides calories but has fewer nutrients in it.
  • Have more veggies and fruits which have more fiber and packed vitamins and minerals.
  • Focus on whole grains, cereals, legumes, pulses, sprouts, beans, lentils, and dried peas, etc.

Complex carbs help us reduce bad cholesterol. Always choose it over simple carbs. We hope this article helps you make healthy food choices. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more on nutrition, check out Healthy Reads or for further guidance, speak to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. 

Eat healthy and #BeTheForce 

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