Appear to age way better than anyone else? I have seen health nut whites and asians who would not touch anything with fat in it look terrible once they get older and blacks who could care less about a diet and look fantastic. Not all but many. Just wondering if someone smart can nicely explain this to me with no negativity.
2007-03-31 08:23:34 · 23 answers · asked by thescientist353 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
The consistency of African people's skin is different than that of white or Asian people's, so it may be less susceptible to wrinkles. The fact that it is inherently darker makes it less susceptible to being damaged by UV rays.
The scientific explanation is that black people's skin has larger melanosomes, which are cells that determine skin color, so they contain more of the pigment called melanin, which means they are naturally better protected against things like skin cancer and wrinkling from sun exposure.
Additionally, there is the possibility that their unique bone structure might have some side-benefits that help them age gracefully, but that's pure conjecture on my part.
2007-03-31 08:33:01 · answer #1 · answered by CoupDeCoop 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Let me give this a shot. The melatonin in our skin protects us from a lot of sun damage, but not all. We still have to use a sun block. It is just that we have more than paler people. Good skin has a lot to do with what you put in your body, the healthier one eats the better, the more pure water one drinks the better. The better you keep your skin the longer it will serve it's purpose.
Now about our diet, we are prone to high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol problems because of our diets, I am a soul food cook and have had to modify many recipes to serve the health conscience. BUT fatty foods, and sugar are not all bad, it is the degrees that we use them. You must enjoy the food that you eat.
Now for the false fact that we don't care what we eat, we do, but we also must enjoy what we eat. So if it seems like we don't care it is because we are eating what we enjoy.
2007-03-31 15:44:45 · answer #2 · answered by Gloria 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure if there is *such* a difference. But one reason for "looking old" is exposure from UV radiation from the sun. And there having a darker skin is a clear advantage.
The rest is just a question of genes, lifestyle and diet. And these are issues for all ethnic backgrounds. Look at immigrants, for example. European immigrants to Australia suffer more from skin cancer than the Aboriginals or Europeans who stayed in Europe. Japanese and Polynesian immigrants to the US who adapt the American lifestyle have a shorter lifespan than their ancestors.
2007-03-31 15:39:03 · answer #3 · answered by Erik Van Thienen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all has to do with the aging process and the amount of sun exposure a person has over their lifetime, not how much fat a person eats.
A black or dark skinned person is protected by the pigmentation in their skin. A white or light skinned person has less pigmentation, so is apt to burn, which will age skin.
Dark skinned people were originally from very hot regions. Their skin developed a heavy pigmentation to protect itself from the intense sun. Since their skin has more protection, it does not age as fast as a light skinned person.
Light skinned people were from areas that has less intense sun exposure, so their skin didn't need as much protection.
Unfortunately, the era of ladies protecting their skin with clothing and parasols is long gone. If you want to keep young looking skin, the key is to protect your skin from the sun. Tanning is the worst thing you can do for your skin...as you get older that lovely tan you had as a youth gives way to wrinkled, leathery skin.
Protection is the key to young skin...protect it from the sun and you will be rewarded with younger looker skin.
2007-03-31 15:37:10 · answer #4 · answered by Sally G 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the live you've lived, diet, and climate. Lots of Northern Europeans look extremely youthful well into the latter years. Yes, some black folks age very well but then again I have seen some who look like Yogi Berra's first catchers mit by the time they are 40.
2007-03-31 16:27:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think your assumptions are incorrect. I would agree on the looks part though. We white people get way to white as we age(pale). But as far as health, blacks have a lot of health problems from wrong eating just as white people do. Im sure some black people could answer and tell you some stories.
2007-03-31 15:29:14 · answer #6 · answered by expertless 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I guess we just got it like that! I mean I don't think there is any science involved at all it is just genetics! It is kinda ironic considering most of the African American race is so unpure meaning through slavery and our whole experience we have been mixed with so many cultures that we may age better than others that may have been mixed in with us over time.
2007-03-31 15:30:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm a black male ,age 54.I personnally believe that it our diet.Don't be afraid to eat what you desire.For food was given to be ate.But seriously,It's the way God made us.We all have the same insides.Just don't get to much sun,
2007-03-31 15:34:02 · answer #8 · answered by rodneyturner614 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's due to their skin texture, which renmains taut for much longer periods of time. In other words, their skin tone resists shriveling better than others (race related).
2007-03-31 15:29:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
The amount of melanin in the skin and the bodies high metabolism.....
2007-03-31 16:34:50 · answer #10 · answered by Diamond in the Rough 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋