Dietary Anti-Aging Works Like a “Slow Boil” – Benefits Accumulate Silently
Collagen is like the “spring and sponge” of the skin, the most abundant protein in the body, making up over 70% of our skin. It forms the skin’s “scaffold,” keeping your face plump, firm, and elastic. However, collagen naturally decreases with age, and factors like UV exposure, late nights, and excessive sugar in the diet can further reduce collagen production.
So… does eating collagen-rich foods like bird’s nest, fish scales, or pork skin improve skin elasticity?
The answer is: as long as your diet contains adequate protein and vitamin C, your body can produce collagen on its own. Relying solely on certain foods to reverse aging is difficult because there’s no precise definition of an “anti-aging diet,” and it’s nearly impossible to prove that eating a specific food can make you look younger.
The Most Direct Way Is Lifestyle Change
Even when we know certain habits are harmful, changing them is easier said than done. Moreover, nutrients from food must be digested and absorbed before reaching the skin. If you want faster results, aesthetic treatments can be more direct.
However, if your goal is healthy, radiant skin while maintaining energy, the most practical approach is to return to basics: improving your diet and lifestyle. This means reducing sugar, and cutting down on barbecue, fried, greasy, and high-sodium foods. Excess sugar, salt, and trans fats have been scientifically linked to aging.
NAD+ Declines With Age
Body composition is also an important indicator of biological age. Simply put, maintaining a body with high muscle mass and low fat is key. Excess body fat slows metabolism, triggers inflammation, and accelerates aging, while keeping muscles and low fat requires consistent aerobic and strength training – eating alone isn’t enough.
A recent popular supplement is NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide), which helps the body produce NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), a crucial energy molecule. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, leading to fatigue, reduced concentration, and a higher risk of chronic disease. Research suggests NMN supplementation may boost NAD+ levels and help delay aging. But don’t expect NMN to be a magic solution – supplements are exactly that: supplements to support a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Dietary Anti-Aging Works Slowly
To maintain long-term anti-aging benefits:
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Eat plenty of dark leafy vegetables, nuts, and deep-sea fish, while limiting sugar and fried foods.
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Don’t rely on a single “superfood”: no food alone can reverse aging; a balanced diet is key.
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Combine strategies: sun protection, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep are more effective than diet alone.
Conclusion: Dietary anti-aging works like a “slow boil” – benefits accumulate gradually. Instead of chasing quick fixes, focus on developing healthy habits to slow down the aging process.
Original Article From Nanyang Daily: https://www.enanyang.my/news/20250504/Supplement/682388 (Written By Edward Lau, Founder of Ingrelicious and Diet Clinic)
