But, according to Australian nutrionist, speaker and author of Bring Back The Fat, Christine Cronau, there are far most cost-effective (and delicious) ways of fighting back.
“The biggest secret to long-lasting beauty and vibrancy is to eat fat,” believes Christine.
“That’s right, the world’s most feared food is in fact vital for youthful and radiant skin. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love indulging in rich and decadent food.”
Our tastebuds and skin are jumping with glee.
Christine says our cell membranes are made up mostly of fat.
“If we don’t eat the right natural fats, it is impossible to keep the cell membrane strong, which means we can’t keep our cells hydrated, causing them to shrivel and lose the youthful appearance we’re so desperately seeking to maintain.”
Eating fat not only affects our skin, but also improves our general health and can therefore further attribute to a healthy glow and radiant appearance.
Christine suggests that the fats demonised the most are in fact the most beneficial for healthy ageing, including butter, coconut oil and animal fats from grass-fed animals.
“Low-fat yoghurt, skinny lattes and egg white omelettes have been hugely trendy in the last few decades, however, science is now suggesting that low-fat foods may not only be ageing us, but making us fatter too.”
The latest science shows that the sugar content in low-fat products is in fact contributing to obesity and accelerating the ageing process, with sugar now playing a key role in skin health.
“Too much sugar interferes with collagen production, and collagen is responsible for keeping our skin youthful. If, however, sugar is a must in your life, then opt for alternatives such as stevia, which is a natural herb and doesn’t contain glucose or fructose.”
According to Christine, the top three foods to fight wrinkles and other signs of ageing are:
- Butter (grass-fed), which is one of the best sources of quality fatneeded for strong cell membranes, and is high in vitamin K2 and vit D, both of which have anti-ageing properties. Butter is also rich in vitamin A and E, powerful antioxidants that can fight free radical damage.
- Egg yolks, from pastured chickens, which are rich in the cholesterol needed for healthy cell membranes, they are the richest source of lutein and zeaxanthin (powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin), and other fat soluble nutrients such as vitamin A, K, E, D, and B.
- Coconut oil, which is full of medium chained fatty acids (powerful antimicrobials), which are incredibly healing for the skin and body. Coconut oil is also full of antioxidants that protect against free radical damage. Age spots, for example, are a sign of free radical deterioration of the fats in our skin.
Christine says that after re-introducing fat into her diet 15 years ago, she hasn’t looked back. She says she feels and looks better now in her mid-forties than she ever did in her twenties, a fatty feat of the highest proportions.
