Nicotine will “steal” the skin’s vitamins and minerals thus leaving it dehydrated and exposed to wrinkle conditions. Smoking should be definitely forbidden because it directly affects the skin, large part of the toxins being eliminated through it. These factors contribute to the whole body aging, also increasing the risks of cancer, arthritis and osteoporosis.

When we inhale just one puff of cigarette smoke, more than a trillion free radicals are produced in our lungs, which then trigger an inflammatory response that circulates throughout the body. And if that wasn’t enough to persuade you to kick the habit, in 1985 the term ’smoker’s face’ was added to the medical dictionary. The characteristics of a smoker’s face, which tends to make people look older than they are, was defined as the following:

• Lines or wrinkles on the face, particularly radiating at right angles from the upper and lower lips or corners of the eyes, deep lines on the cheeks or numerous shallow lines on the cheeks and lower jaw.
• A subtle gauntness of the features, with prominence of the underlying bony contours.
• A grey skin palour.

Smoking depletes the collagen in your skin
Cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 toxins, many of which are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and are taken by the blood into the skin’s structure. Smoking also causes the blood vessels in the top layers of the skin to constrict, so thickening and reducing the oxygen levels in the blood. This also reduces the levels of collagen in the skin.

You are what you eat, and you’ll age accordingly. Some foods contain toxins that will speed up theageing process, while other foods will rejuvenate your body and slow down the ageing process.

Here is a list of the top ten anti-ageing foods that can slow down the ageing process:

• Avocado – This is one of the most alkalizing foods available. Avocados are very high in vitamin E which is essential for glowing skin and shining hair. It also help keeps those wrinkles off your face. Have a raw avocado salad or a steamed one with some salt to add effect.
• Berries - All berries, especially Gooseberries, are very rich in vitamin C and therefore highly useful to the body. Vitamin C helps in proper blood circulation and provides minerals and salts to all the body parts. Needless to say this helps the body to fight against aging and keep fit.
• Green vegetables - Broccoli, spinach, lettuce, salad leaves and other such greens are highly beneficial for the body. Not only do they help keep the body weight low but also help fight toxins. Fighting toxins is important because a highly toxic body is like a magnet for all kinds of diseases that can harm the body.
• Garlic – This is one of the most important foods provided to us by nature. The benefits of garlic are numerous. It helps prevent cell degeneration, helps keep the blood thin and also prevents heart diseases. It is most beneficial when eaten raw.
• Ginger - This root facilitates digestion and is therefore essential for the body. Ginger keeps bowel movement in shape, thereby enabling good gut health.
• Nuts – Almonds and cashew nuts are like power houses of energy. Consuming nuts on a daily basis will fight that lethargic feeling and fill the body with immense energy.
• Yogurt – Yogurt is rich is important minerals like potassium, calcium, protein and B vitamins. Apart from these, what makes yogurt one of the most powerful foods is the presence of live bacteria in it. This bacteria helps absorption of nutrients in the intestines and stabilizes the immune system.
  

  Anti-Ageing Food

• Whole wheat pasta and brown rice - Carbohydrates are long term energy foods and should never be given up unless you want to invite trouble. Substitute white pasta and rice with whole wheat pasta and brown rice and you will instantly feel the difference in your energy level.
• Melons – Water melons and musk melons not only have an alkalizing effect on the body but also provide the body with essential fluids that it needs for performing various tasks.
• Water – Nothing compares to water Stay away form those aerated drinks for it takes 32 glasses of water to balance out the ill effects of one glass of soda. Water is essential for our body. It flushes out all the toxins from the body. It also provides fluidity for the flow of blood. At least 8 glasses of clean pure water must be consumed on a daily basis.