If you are purchasing all sorts of anti-aging creams and lotions or availing freebies in a bid to find the secret of youth, you need to realize that making use of the best creams alone won’t give you younger looking skin. To sport healthy skin, you also need to eat right!
You’ve probably read all about cutting down on sugar, avoiding char grilled foods, eating healthy fats, and more to keep your skin looking youthful. While following healthy eating practices is sure to help, your skin’s appearance can improve immensely if you start eating certain fruits and vegetables!
Read on to know more about the best anti-aging foods for your skin.
Avocados
This creamy fruit not only benefits your skin when applied as a mask, but also gives you radiant skin when eaten regularly. Avocados are rich in healthy fatty acids which help maintain moisture in the epidermal layer of the skin. The oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid) present in avocados is known to regenerate damaged skin cells and reduce skin irritation and redness.
Avocados are also rich in vitamins C and E, and antioxidants like alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Vitamin C boosts the production of elastin and collagen- essential skin cells that help maintain the skin’s firmness, vitamin E reduces the effect of UV radiation, and the antioxidants in avocado protect skin from environmental damage.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates have ample antioxidants to nourish the skin and prevent free radical damage. The vitamin C found in this fruit helps keep the skin firm and aids the formation of new skin cells.
Additionally, pomegranates are rich in essential fatty acids, phytochemicals, and micronutrients that nourish the skin and keep it hydrated.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are a good source of the trace mineral selenium- a potent antioxidant. Selenium, along with other antioxidants like vitamins E and C can improve immunity. Selenium also prevents premature aging and is known to reduce the risk of cancer.
Further to this, eating a few Brazil nuts every day can improve your skin’s elasticity. Do snack on other vitamin E rich seeds to get the most out of these nuts.
Tomatoes
This humble fruit is a super food in every way as it is packed with a host of compounds that are beneficial for the skin. Most importantly, tomatoes are saturated with lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant.
Lycopene acts as a sunscreen from within by preventing damage caused by UV rays. It also neutralizes free radicals that age the skin, thereby preventing the formation of wrinkles. Furthermore, tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and E- all antioxidants that can slow the aging process of skin.
Kale
Kale is one of the best leafy greens you can eat to combat the signs of aging. The antioxidants present in kale help fight free radicals, its sulfur compounds help detoxify your liver, and its omega-3 fatty acids prevent skin dryness and wrinkles by keeping the skin nourished.
Kale is also rich in vitamins A, C, and K which have numerous benefits for your skin and body.
Carrots
Carrots are not just delicious, they can benefit your skin greatly as they contain high amounts of minerals and antioxidants. This root vegetable is rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A inside the body, and helps increase the skin’s immunity to the sun.
Vitamin A also heals sunburns and fights free radicals. In addition to this, the vitamin C found in carrots prevents the formation of wrinkles by aiding collagen production.
Red Bell Peppers
These mild and juicy peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, E, and K, and antioxidants. Moreover, red bell peppers are extremely rich in vitamin C and are said to have anti-cancer benefits.
Vitamin C stimulates collagen production and keeps the skin soft and supple while also warding off sun damage and boosting immunity.
Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals that help neutralize free radicals, thereby preventing skin damage and making your skin look and feel younger. Since these berries have a high amount of fiber, they aid digestion, regulate bowel movement, and free your body of toxins which can make your skin visibly healthy.
Vitamin C in blueberries can heal broken capillaries and improve skin tone, while vitamin A can help normalize your skin’s oil levels and heal acne.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene and anthocyanin. Apart from preventing the skin from free radical damage, beta-carotene can reduce the risk of cancer, chronic diseases, and age-related macular degeneration. Anthocyanin has anti-inflammatory benefits and fights skin pigmentation.
Sweet potatoes also have vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, in addition to omega-3 fatty acids and other important minerals.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read about these super foods that can give you beautiful skin, you needn’t rely entirely on anti-aging products to look amazing. Start incorporating these foods in your diet right away and you’re sure to have younger looking skin!
I’ve been thinking lately about my skin …. you have perfect timing with the post! Thanks for the tips.