I came across this post in Red magazine on line and thought it was a must read for you all. We all want to slow down the aging process as much as we can but are we starting from the inside and working outwards or are we just coating the layer that we see in the mirror? ‘We are what we eat’ definitely plays a huge role in looking and feeling as good as possible so take note, as this article is as easy to read as it is to follow.
Avocados
Overall, fats can help nourish your skin and prevent dryness. ‘Lucky for our skin, avocados are packed with ‘good fats!’ ‘In fact, avocados are nutrient-packed in general’
It’s been said that there’s a beneficial association between avocado consumption and skin health plus the fruit may help protect your skin from UV damage.
Avocados are also nutrient boosters, which means they can help enhance the body’s absorption of vitamin A and other fat-soluble nutrients.
Eggs
Protein is the fabric of collagen, and eggs are a top source of high-quality protein. But don’t just eat egg whites, as the yolks contain other skin-boosting nutrients – including biotin. Biotin has been shown to help promote healthy skin, hair and nails. ‘Whichever way crack an egg, cook up the whole egg.’
Prunes
‘Prunes are best known for promoting healthy bones and digestive health, but they provide many other benefits.’ One of those benefits is beautiful skin.
Pomegranate seeds
There’s a good reason pomegranates are an ingredient in so many beauty products. “Pomegranate seeds contain the potent antioxidant anthocyanins as well as ellagic acid, which both increase collagen production,” explains Lisa De Fazio, MS, RD, author of The Women’s Health Big Book of Smoothies & Soups.
Blueberries
Blueberries are excellent sources of powerful antioxidants that fight against free radicals that can damage the collagen in your skin, making it more wrinkle-prone. De Fazio says they also contain vitamins C and E, which will brighten your skin and give it a healthy glow.
Extra-virgin olive oil
‘Quite simply, olive oil will keep your skin looking younger,’ De Fazio says. It all has to do with the ‘good’ monounsaturated fats offered by the oil, which are associated with increased skin elasticity and firmness.
Green Tea
You might want to replace your Wednesday morning coffee with green tea if you want to look younger. Green tea contains a powerful antioxidant called EGCG that fights DNA damage from UV rays to prevent skin cancer. That means it’s also a potent anti-aging ingredient that combats signs of aging when ingested or applied topically.
Salmon
Salmon, along with other fatty fishes, are great for turning back the hands of time due to their abundance of skin-saving omegas-3s.
Sardines
Sardines might not look pretty, but they can help you look your best. Just like salmon, they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
Dark chocolate
The antioxidant profile of dark chocolate is even more powerful than acai berries, blueberries and cranberries. ‘Chocolate contains antioxidants called flavanols, which protect the skin from sun damage,’
Choose dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa solids!
Carrots
Carrots are super high in beta carotene, a carotenoid that offers an abundance of health benefits including those related to skin and hair
Sweet potatoes
Like many orange-hued vegetables, sweet potatoes are also loaded with beta carotene.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes, as well as tomato juice, are great sources of vitamin C.
Bell peppers
Another great source of vitamin C are bell peppers. Whether you choose yellow, green or red, bell peppers contain more of the wrinkle-fighting vitamin than an orange.
Walnuts
For graceful aging and beautiful skin, one of the easiest ways to do this is by eating walnuts. ‘These “power” nuts have the highest amount of antioxidant activity compared to other foods and nuts,’ she says. Among its many health benefits, they also contain vitamin E, melatonin and non-flavonoid polyphenols.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been found to have large quantities of proanthocyanidins, a class of polyphenols with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, according to Elizabeth Adler, MS, RD, CDN. ‘Enjoy a sprinkling of cinnamon in your morning latte to promote healthy cell production for skin health and beauty,’ she says.
Thanks Red Magazine!
