September is National Healthy Aging Month. Yeral Patel, M.D., a board-certified in anti-aging/regenerative medicine and family medicine and medical director of Perfect YOUth in Newport Beach, says there are certain foods that slow down the aging and others that accelerate the process.

3 FOODS THAT WILL AGE YOU

1. SUGAR -- The #1 food to avoid if you’re looking to slow down the aging process. It not only makes us fat but also makes us wrinkly, as it cross-links with collagen, making our skin less flexible.
2. POTATOES AND GRAINS -- Both potatoes and grains ultimately break down into sugar. Also, they use up valuable minerals as like zinc, which is crucial for skin health. Not to mention such foods give us almost nothing in return - except calories.
3. ALCOHOL -- The ultimate dehydrator, alcohol also robs our bodies of vitamins A, B and C, which are vital to maintaining healthy skin and overall health. Excessive alcohol depletes minerals like magnesium and zinc, as well as essential fatty acids, all of which are needed to slow down the onset of premature aging.

3 FOODS THAT SLOW DOWN AGING PROCESS

1. FRUITS & VEGGIES -- Spinach and broccoli are packed with antioxidants and important vitamins they are anti-aging powerhouses that are good for the hair and skin. Fruits like papaya and blueberries minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help protect skin from sun, stress and pollution damage.
2. SALMON & TROUT – Are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation thus resulting in fewer wrinkles and moister skin.
3.BONE BROTH -- Its high iron, vitamin A & K, selenium, zinc and manganese content help relieve joint pain and osteoarthritis, detoxify the liver, prevent aging skin, support digestive health and balance hormones.

Patel is board certified in anti-aging/regenerative and family medicine who practices in Newport Beach, California. She uses an integrative medicine approach to treat and prevent chronic medical conditions and utilizes a combination of both groundbreaking allopathic and homeopathic treatments to achieve optimal results for her patients. Her mission is to provide the highest quality and compassionate care to her patients and the public by helping them achieve and maintain their optimal health, wellness, beauty, and to prevent the signs of aging from both inside and outhttps://www.yeralpatelmd.com/