From The Straits Times    |

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The factors that promote an overall younger appearance are lifted and firm skin and healthy and strong hair. To stay looking young, click through to find out the culprits in your foods and beverages that might be the reason for the decrease of quality in your skin and hair!

 

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1. Sodium

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Sodium is terrible for us in so many ways. It increases blood pressure, decreases heart health and also gives us a bloated look. This is because it retains water and gives your skin a puffy appearance. The accumulation of excess water under your skin makes your face look bloated. So cut the sodium for a slimmer look. Sodium is added excessively in hawker food and canned items.

 

2. Sugar

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Sugar is something most dieters can’t resist as they give themselves the leeway to have just that one cupcake- I mean it’s someone’s birthday right? Unfortunately, as one of the most addictive substances around, having sugar just causes you to crave more sugar and this vicious cycle only increases in intensity with every sugary bite. In addition to weight gain, sugar also damages and reduces the shine in your pearly whites, making you look older than you actually are. Inside your body, sugar damages collagen, which is what keeps your skin bouncy and youthful.

 

3. Preservatives

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Sausages and ham are more dangerous than you think. These preserved meats contain a whole load of unnatural ingredients that cause inflammation which reduces the quality of your skin! It’s also very high in sodium. Avoid processed meats at all costs- they provide zero benefits.

 

4. Caffeine

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There is evidence behind Lucy Liu’s decision to ban caffeine in her diet. As a diuretic, caffeine helps to get rid of the water in your body, hence causing dehydration. And flushing out too much water from your body gives your skin a dull look. If you just can’t resist coffee, make sure to limit your daily caffeine intake to one cup and remember load up on water after your cuppa. Also be sure to invest in a rich moisturiser that will restore your skin’s moisture and glow.

 

5.  Alcohol

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Being responsible for the flushing out of toxins in our bodies, our liver has to work extra hard with every sip of alcohol taken. These toxins show up on your skin. Yikes! Alcohol also dries your skin out, giving our skin a dehydrated appearance and…wrinkles.

 

6. Trans Fat

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If you already haven’t sworn off trans fat from your diet, hear this. Trans fat causes inflammation, which destroys the collagen in your skin. A study found out that the presence of trans fat in our bodies makes us more susceptible to UV damage – the easiest way to give your skin a dull and aged appearance.

 

This article was first published at Shape, 15 August 2017.

 

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