Anti-Aging Foods for Skin
Turning back the clock on aging is something many people try to do with varying amounts of success. It is true that a healthy diet and exercise and avoiding the not-so-healthy habits of smoking and alcohol consumption, among other things, can help us live longer and look younger. There are also foods that can help give the skin a younger and fresher appearance--the single most obvious indicator of age.
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Oils and Fats
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Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in skin health, and few foods have more of it than certain species of oily fish. Salmon, mackerel and tuna have significant amounts of omega-3, which prevents clogged pores and skin dryness while improving the skin's elasticity. These qualities make for a natural solution to young-looking skin, and consuming these types of fish are a tasty way to get the results you're looking for.
Nuts and Seeds
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Nuts, especially Brazil nuts, are great anti-aging foods because of their vitamin A and E content. Vitamin A and E both have anti-oxidant properties and are good for overall skin health. Brazil nuts also contain selenium, which improves skin elasticity and fights acne and other skin infections. Nuts also contain zinc, which promotes skin cell growth.
Sunflower seeds contain high amounts of vitamin E as well, and they have been shown to slow down the aging process and keep the skin lubricated and soft. -
Carrots
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Carrots are a popular vegetable with many uses in the kitchen, and they are at the top of the list of vegetables when it comes to skin health. Not only do carrots contain high amounts of vitamin A derived from beta-carotene, but they also contain lots of vitamin C, which fights free radicals, such as those produced by too much time in the sun. As we all know, sun overexposure is one of the fastest ways to make the skin age before its time.
Fruits
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Berries are certainly one of the best foods you can eat for younger-looking skin. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and cranberries, among others, help the body manufacture collagen, which makes the skin plump and smooth. Berries also have high amounts of antioxidants to fight premature aging. Blueberries rank the highest in the antioxidant category. Pomegranate products are also good for the skin, as they contain anthocyanins, which promote blood flow to the skin and help prevent spider veins.
Dairy
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Low-fat dairy products are also beneficial to the skin's appearance. According to healthy-skincare.com, some people with health problems that interfere with beta-carotene conversion to vitamin A will be able to get the skin-healthy vitamin from dairy products such as milk.
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