Reverse ageing expert shares 7 common foods that secretly make us age faster and look older

Ageing is natural. But sometimes, everyday foods can quietly speed up the process, making skin dull and the body feel older than it really is. Edson Brandao, a 58-year-old reverse ageing expert from the US, points out that certain “innocent-looking” foods may actually harm the skin, speed up wrinkles, and even make energy levels crash. What is surprising is that many of these are foods seen as treats or “comfort bites.” Here’s what we all need to know.

Ice cream is seen as harmless happiness in a bowl. The fact: it is rich in sugar and saturated fat. When sugar mixes with fat, it speeds up a process called glycation. This makes skin proteins like collagen weaker. Result? Skin sags and wrinkles show earlier. Occasional scoops are fine, but regular indulgence silently ages the face.

Soda looks refreshing and fun. It is full of added sugars and phosphoric acid. Both strip calcium from bones and harm teeth. On top of that, the sugar spikes blood sugar levels, which is linked to skin inflammation and dullness. Fizzy bubbles may lift mood for a minute, but the ageing effect stays longer.

Fruit juice is often seen as “healthy.” The fact: most packaged juices are loaded with added sugars and lack the fibre found in whole fruits. The truth: without fibre, the body absorbs sugar too quickly. This stresses the insulin, raises inflammation, and makes skin lose elasticity. Fresh whole fruit slows down ageing far better than juice in a carton.

Margarine is sold as a “lighter” choice compared to butter. Many margarines contain trans fats. Trans fats are one of the most damaging fats for the heart and skin. They stiffen blood vessels, reduce good cholesterol, and dry out the skin. Wrinkles appear sooner when trans fats dominate the diet. Real butter in small amounts is less harmful.

“Diet-friendly” sweeteners look like a shortcut to avoid sugar. They don’t add calories. Research shows they may disrupt gut bacteria, increase cravings, and confuse the body’s natural response to sweetness. This constant confusion may lead to metabolic stress, which is connected to faster ageing. Natural alternatives like honey or stevia, in moderation, are gentler.

Muffins smell like comfort and taste like joy. They often contain refined flour, sugar, and vegetable oils. This trio creates quick sugar spikes, then energy crashes. Over time, they cause inflammation and damage collagen. Skin turns dull, and fine lines show up faster. A homemade version with oats and nuts is a far better choice.

A glass of wine or a cocktail seems harmless. Alcohol dehydrates the body and lowers vitamin A, a key nutrient for skin repair. This dehydration makes skin dry and lifeless. Regular drinking also damages the liver, which slows down toxin removal, leaving the body weaker. Occasional small servings may be fine, but excess pushes the body to age before its time.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. For personal diet changes, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is recommended.