From prepackaged meats to coffee: What accelerates aging and how to combat it

Before we resort to aesthetic medicine, which primarily aims to maintain a youthful and attractive appearance, it's worth considering what we're putting on our plates.

Let's focus on food products that impact our well-being and appearance. After all, we are what we eat.

Many people consume prepackaged cold cuts daily. Unfortunately, these are packed with chemical additives such as nitrates and phosphates.

Additionally, these products are high in salt. These factors can trigger inflammation in the body, which speeds up cellular aging.

It's not just prepackaged cold cuts that are harmful, but also instant meals, fast food, pre-cooked meat products, and other highly processed foods.

Despite its sweet taste and allure, sugar has a detrimental impact on health, mainly when consumed in excess. It destroys collagen fibers, which are pivotal to maintaining skin firmness.

Too much sugar in your daily diet can result in accelerated skin aging. The skin may become dry, saggy, and lifeless.

Cigarettes and alcohol are the most common unhealthy habits, which do more than accelerate aging - they can also lead to many serious diseases.

Alcoholic beverages result in an increased excretion of fluids, which can potentially cause dehydration. Dehydrated skin tends to be tired, dry, and dull, creating wrinkles sooner.

Interestingly, coffee can have a similar effect, so if you're a fan of dark beverages, remember to balance your intake with adequate water consumption.