With all the money people (especially women) spend on creams, lotions, potions, injections, fillers and surgeries on their face, we should never lose sight of that old cliche “we are what we eat.” Look to your farmer’s markets and produce sections for the rainbow of foods that nourish each and every cell of our bodies, inside and out. The following foods are loaded with antioxidants that help our bodies fight aging at that cellular level.
Carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, apricots, cantaloupe, tomatoes, watermelon and bell peppers all contain carotenoids, which protect the skin from UV damage and also improve skin tone.
Nuts, seeds, and leafy greens contain vitamin E, which reduces sun damage.
Apples, citrus fruits, grapes, berries, cranberries, dark chocolate and wine (yay!) are full of polyphenols, which protect against UV radiation.
Guava, kiwi, papaya and citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C, which protects skin’s elastin and collagen.
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain sulforaphane, which activates cells’ natural defenses against UV damage.
Soybeans and their oils contain coenzyme Q10, which protects protein and fat cells.
Add the above foods to your diet and don’t forget to hydrate (yes, at least 8 glasses of water are still the recommendation…more if you are working out…the fountain of youth just may be a simple water fountain!) and watch the appearance of your skin improve before your eyes.
Great skin. Just one more reason to embrace our fruits and veggies. What’s good for your skin is equally as good for your insides and the world around you. Happy VFT. Make it a great one.
