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How to Take Years off Your Apparent Age

You know how old you are, but do you know how old you look to other people? Are age spots, wrinkles or other skin imperfections adding years to your apparent age? While many of us may feel young, we don't always look young. Harmful UV rays, improper diets, too little exercise and unhealthy life styles often take a toll on our appearance, making us look older than we would like. Don't fret, however, a younger you is just a few simple steps away.

Ways to Improve Your Apparent Age
To promote healthy aging and look younger, experts agree that we should eat a healthy, balanced diet and get the proper amount of sleep and exercise every day. Here are some simple ways to look younger:

• Eat a balanced diet: Eat a diet that includes a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables, which are full of anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants.
  
  
• Follow a proper skincare regimen: Keeping your skin clean and healthy goes a long way in improving your apparent age. Talk to your dermatologist or doctor about what you should be doing to care for your skin.
  
  
• Get active: Not only will exercise make you look better, it will also make you feel better. Be sure to include both aerobic exercise and weight training in your workout routine.
  
  
• Keep hydrated: Drink eight glasses of water a day. Drinking water helps your body rid itself of toxins and also improves skin.
  
  
• Stay away from stress: While some stress in life is normal, you should free yourself from unnecessary stress. If stress is unavoidable, learn to manage it properly through relaxation techniques.
  
  
• Sleep: Try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. If you have trouble falling asleep, avoid stimulates (caffeine, television, etc.) before bedtime.
  
  
• Wear sunscreen: Harmful UV rays wreak havoc on our skin, causing wrinkles, sunspots, sunburns and more. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen every day, not just when you're going to the beach.

Anti-Aging Foods
In addition to following the tips above, eating certain anti-aging foods can help take years off of your apparent age. Why not spice up your diet with the following?

• Acai: Acai, which has been called the "power berry," is a small berry that is rich in antioxidants. You can purchase acai in gourmet and health food stores.
  
  
• Allium: Allium is the onion genus, comprising onions, garlic, chives, leeks, shallots and scallions, all of which help rid the body of toxins.
  
  
• Barley: Barley is a grain that is often used in soups, stews and cereals. It helps metabolize carbohydrates, cholesterol and fats, due to its high fiber content.
  
  
• Blueberries: Not only to the anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries prevent and relieve arthritic symptoms, they help to strengthen blood vessels and in animal studies have proven to reverse some aspects of brain aging!
  
  
• Broccoli: The sulforaphane in broccoli increases the production of enzymes that can clear toxins from the body. 
  
  
• Buckwheat: Buckwheat, either grain or seed form, is full of protein and high in amino acids and helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce hypertension.
  
  
• Hot peppers: Peppers, including bell peppers and chili peppers, work as fat burners, have twice the amount of Vitamin C as citrus fruit and contain antioxidants.
  
  
• Lentils and Beans: Lentils and beans are full of antioxidants, potassium and folic acid and can help reduce cholesterol.
  
  
• Seeds and Nuts: Seeds and nuts, which are rich in omega-3 fats, are great for your heart. Try to include unsalted and raw seeds and nuts in your diet.
  
  
• Sprout: Sprouts contain Vitamin C and protein and help boost your immune system.
  
  
• Wheat grass: What grass is loaded with vitamins and minerals and helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  
  
• Yogurt: Yogurt contains healthy bacteria that aid in digestion and boost the immune system.