Many of us spend big bucks on expensive creams and cleansers for our skin when in reality we should be fighting the signs of aging from the inside out. Luckily this can be done...with food!!
The following super foods have anti-aging properties and
make a great addition to any diet. You may even notice some of these foods in your favorite skin care products.
1.)
Pomegranate Seeds – Softens skin; vitamin C,
ellagic acid and punicalagin fight free radicals and preserve collagen; Aim for
1 cup/week
2.)
Blueberries – Smooth fine lines; antioxidant to
protect against sun damage, stress from emotions and over-exercising; Aim for 1
cup/day
3.)
Kale and Spinach – Firms skin; beta-carotene,
lutein to improve elasticity; Aim for 3 cups/week
4.)
Cold-water fish such as sardines, salmon and
mackerel – Reduce redness and inflammation; omega-3 fatty acids strengthen skin-cell
membranes and keeps in moisture; Aim for two servings/week
5.)
Green Tea – Bye Bye brown spots; catechins and
polyphenols fight free radicals; Aim for 1 cup/day
6.)
Watermelon – Clear Complexion; vitamin C,
lycopene, and potassium which regulates balance of water and nutrients in
cells; Aim for 1-2 cups/week
7.)
Olive Oil – Healthy Glow; omega-3 fatty acids;
improve circulation; Use in moderation – 1 Tablespoon most days in place of other
fats
8.)
Cocoa – Firming; hydrates skin and antioxidants
to fight damage; Aim for at least 70% cocoa and enjoy 1-2 oz/day
9.)
Yogurt – Firming; protein (choose Greek yogurt);
Aim for 1 serving/day
10.) Walnuts
– Improve skin elasticity; omega-3 fatty acids and copper which boosts collagen
production; Aim for 1 handful/day (about 15 halves)
11.) Bell
Peppers – Brighten skin; carotenoids and antioxidants; choose all colors and
Aim for 1-2 cups/day
12.) Sunflower
seeds – Healthy Glow, essential fatty acids to; Aim for 1 handful/day
13.) Kidney
Beans – Clear complexion; zinc has healing properties and some studies show
that zinc can help fight blemishes; Aim for 4 oz. three times/week
14.) Soy
– Even skin tone; reduces hyperpigmentation; choose soy milk or edamame and Aim
for 1 cup/day
15.)
Oatmeal – Firming; steel cut oats are less
processed so they contain more vitamins, also they help stabilize blood sugars
which decreases body’s levels of hormones that may contribute to wrinkles; Aim
for ½ cup cooked most days
How about a natural face lift with these healthy meals:
Breakfast: bowl of steel cut oats with soy milk, blueberries, walnuts and a cup of green tea
Snack: Greek yogurt with pomegranate seeds
Lunch: Spinach salad with kidney beans
Snack: cup of watermelon and sunflower seeds
Dinner: Bell peppers sauteed in olive oil and grilled salmon
Snack: dark chocolate
No comments:
Post a Comment