Is Your Cup of Milk Tea Aging You? The Sweet Ways to Combat Glycation and Stay Healthy
You may love the taste of sugar, but did you know it could be aging your youthful and radiant skin and harming your health? According to a Chinese medicine practitioner in Taiwan, a 30-year-old woman who drank just one cup of milk tea a day had wrinkles, dull skin, and looked 20 years older than her age! How could this happen? The culprit is a process called "glycation".
What is “glycation”?
Glycation is the process by which excess sugar molecules attach to proteins and fats in the body, forming advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that can damage collagen and elastin fibres and contribute to skin aging, wrinkles, and sagging. But the effects of glycation go beyond skin - it is also linked to diseases like arteriosclerosis and diabetes. Once the "glycation reaction" sets in, it's difficult to reverse, so it's crucial to take proactive steps to prevent it.
3 simple tips to help you combat glycation and maintain a healthy, vibrant body:
1. Skip the Sweets
Say goodbye to sugary snacks like candy, ice cream, and cookies, which can trigger a glycation reaction and accelerate aging of organs.
2. Sip Smart
Giving up sugary drinks can be tough, but it's all about taking small steps. Start by cutting back on sugar - switch from full sugar to half sugar or light sugar, and then gradually eliminate it altogether. You can also try reducing the frequency of your indulgences - instead of drinking bubble tea every day, start with three days a week, then one day a week, and eventually one day a month.
3. Avoid the Golden Crust
Love the crispy, golden crust on your favourite foods like roast chicken, duck, and bread? Unfortunately, these tasty treats are also high in AGEs, which can contribute to skin aging, wrinkles, and sagging. When proteins and reducing sugars are heated, they produce a golden, crispy crust that eventually leads to the formation of AGEs.
By making these simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can fight glycation and keep your skin looking youthful and radiant, along with drinking plenty of water and exercising. Don't let your sweet tooth sabotage your health - take control and start living a healthier, happier life today!
