According to an article in Reader’s Digest there are 6 “Super foods” for younger looking skin. Or in their words, “Eat these 6 and you could make your face look younger”
The article goes on to list the 6 foods with an explanation as to why we should consume these foods on a daily basis.
- Bell peppers and broccoli. Vitamin C increases production of collagen, the skin’s building block. In other words, fewer fine lines around your eyes and mouth. Serving size: 1 cup fresh or ½ cup cooked per day.
- Wild Salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids help the skin retain moisture, making it soft and supple. The nourishing ingredient also maintains the scalp’s natural oils. Serving size: 125g-185g, 3 times per week.
- Blackberries and Raspberries. Ellagic acid protects against UV rays and can help prevent wrinkles. Serving size: ½ cup fresh or frozen per day.
- Tomatoes. Lycopene may help prevent sun damage. The potent antioxidant works best when cooked, so homemade marinara sauce and tomato soup are both great options. Serving size: Aim for at least 1 portion (about ¼ cup of sauce or 4 tomato slices) 5 times per week.
- Dark Chocolate. Cocoa flavonols improve circulation and blood flow to the scalp, delivering nutrients that may help keep it and your hair healthy. Serving size: 30g or 150 calories per day.
- Sweet Potato. Beta-carotene destroys free radicals, preventing damage to skin cells. The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, which fights signs of aging. Serving size: One per day. Swap in carrots, cantaloupe, or mangoes for a comparable effect.
Embracing a holistic approach, eating a variety of fruit and vegetables is important not only for skin health but overall health and vitality. Our body relies on various vitamins and minerals and these are best consumed via the food we eat.
We are living longer and it is important to fight free radical damage such as inflammation via our diet. Notable food items for consideration are:
- Sesame seeds. These are high in calcium, rich in other minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorous and fibre.
- Nuts. No matter which nut you choose, they’re all anti-aging heroes. Aim for 30g of nuts each day to embrace their anti-inflammatory effects.
- Pineapple. They assist with the formation of collagen in skin, which plays a role in skin strength and elasticity.
- Oranges and lemons. Vitamin C heroes!
- Pomegranates seeds. Pomegranate seeds contain compounds that fight damage from free radicals and increase your body’s ability to preserve collagen.
- Watermelon. Treat yourself to a slice at night to keep your skin young. Watermelon is packed with lycopene, which helps to protect the skin by acting as a natural sunblock, protecting it from ultraviolet rays that damage and age the skin, create sunspots, and make skin look weathered.
- Avocado. They are jam-packed with the inflammation-fighting fatty acids that keep the immune system functioning properly.
- Mushrooms. Mushrooms are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, a vitamin most people don’t have enough of. Without vitamin D, you can’t properly absorb calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis.
- Beans and lentils. These superfoods are loaded with plant-based essential amino acids to meet all of your protein requirements.
- Tumeric. Helps fight cell damage and aging keeping skin and all organs vibrant and in good condition.
