Are the foods you eat speeding up your aging process? Swapping these five foods can help you protect and heal your body.

There are two main culprits that accelerate the aging process of our skin: sun exposure and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs form when protein or fat combine with sugar. While these aging culprits aren’t 100% in our control, using sunscreen and taking mind of your overall diet can help with how our body protects and heals our skin.

Although minding your nutrition is easier said than done, it always helps to have a little reminder of how certain foods can affect your skin health. But remember, every person is unique. So, go through this list with a grain of salt. Take the information that’s most helpful to you.

• 1. Sprouted bread for white bread
• When refined carbs integrate with protein, it causes the formation of AGEs. AGEs have a direct effect on chronic disease as well as the aging process. Try an alternative to traditional bread, such as a sprouted grain bread that contains no aged sugar.

• 2. Honey or fruit for white sugar
• Sugar is one of the infamous contenders to unwanted skin concerns like acne. Reach for fruit or dark chocolate when craving something sweet.

• 3. Olive oil or avocados for margarine
• Studies has shown that those who don’t consume margarine have less skin damage and wrinkles than those who do. Swap margarine for pure butter, olive oil or avocados, which are rich in anti-aging antioxidants. 

• 4. Stick with poultry for processed meats
• Hot dogs, pepperoni, bacon and sausages are all examples of processed meats that can be harmful to the skin. Opt for leaner meats like turkey and chicken. 

• 5. Switch out rice cakes
• While rice cakes are usually touted as a good snack, this isn’t the case for the skin. Rice cakes have a high glycemic index and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. For an anti-aging snack, try hummus with red bell pepper strips.