Eat salmon and say goodbye to ageing in the New Year
As a new year begins, here's a simple tip to help arrest our age - eat salmon.
Eat salmon to look younger
Fish is my personal choice of protein amongst meats. Has always been. And that I feel is actually lucky for me, as there's lots going for it. It is delightfully tasty, versatile (can be cooked in myriad ways), cooks way faster than other meats, is easily available, is fairly lower in calories compared to others, the protein is of high quality and most importantly some nutrients (like Omega 3) it packs are hard to come by from elsewhere. But here's the icing on the cake - news "all" fish lovers, particularly those who prefer salmon over others, will positively love: it can delay ageing and keep your skin younger looking too. Good to know surely, particularly as another year has recently come to an end and reanimated our jitters about how time is flying by… (meaning we are getting older… Right?)
Also read: Six great skincare tips for the party season
Get a salmon facelift
So if you have a hot date in just three days time, research says, instead of heading off to a spa or a salon for a makeover, all you need to do is visit your fishmonger and pick up some fresh salmon. Foxed? Let me explain.
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Salmon actually has a special chemical component in it called Dimethylamino Ethanol (DMAE), which has a very positive effect on the nerves connected to the muscles in the skin. It plumps up the skin, increases muscle tone and stops sagging (which is what makes us look older). Basically this nutrient prevents the manufacture of arachidonic acid, which is a substance that leads to the formation of wrinkles. Now this facelift via our plate, via a delightfully tasty ingredient definitely sounds better than interventions of the type that need needles et al. Doesn't it? Besides salmon only other foods - fish again - which deliver DMAE are sardines and anchovies. Take your pick.
Wait, there's more!
Salmon also has loads of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps slow the ageing of skin cells by reducing the production of an enzyme called collagenase (that breaks down collagen, causing the skin to sag and wrinkle). Regular sun exposure can deplete Vitamin E from the skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage (yes, that's why Vitamin E is found in skincare products from moisturisers to body washes), so regular replenishment is a good idea.
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Plus the Omega-3 it is packed with also helps reduce inflammation on the cellular level that can cause redness, wrinkles, and loss of firmness in the skin. Finally this fish (and also shrimps and lobsters) has an antioxidant astaxanthin too, which protects the cells from the free radicals, improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Win-win, really!
Arrest ageing
By the way studies also show that DMAE can elevate one's mood, counter depression, boost memory and concentration, and even increase intelligence. While our body can produce some DMAE - the brain maintains a small amount of it and uses it to maintain the integrity of cell membranes, we need more. And when we don't get it, it may cause deterioration of cell membranes leading to premature ageing symptoms (like memory and concentration loss, disorientation etc). Plus Omega 3 in salmon also provides protection against Alzheimer's and certain cancers, and is great for our heart's health too. Enough reasons to get it on your plates? Thought so!
Also read: Why you can't afford to miss out on Vitamin D (and 4 ways to get it)
Have more of it
Salmon is an extremely versatile food and can be cooked in multiple ways. Simplest way is to just grill and eat with some seasoning. But if you are looking for some exciting ways, try these: combine cold (cooked) salmon with greens and vegetables for a delicious salad; for a twist on scrambled eggs, combine eggs with smoked salmon and onions; serve broiled salmon over whole wheat pasta and top with a sauce made with olive oil, lemon peel and black pepper; for a healthy appetiser, serve smoked salmon on a platter with onions, lemon wedges and mini rye bread slices; or quick broil salmon and top with a honey, mustard sauce. Whichever way, just get it on your plate regularly, and get ready for great skin compliments.