Anti-wrinkle Foods

We all like to look and feel our best. Part of looking our best is reflected in our complexion. Our skin is an excellent indicator of the state of our inner health. Pre-mature wrinkling, dry skin, roughness, eczema, rosacea, and acne are all reflections that our inner health is "off".

As our age, the skin tends to change as the body produces less oil, leaving our skin rough and dry. In addition, in the deeper layers, a decrease of two proteins called collagen and elastin causes the skin to thin, wrinkle, and sag. Although the integrity of the skin is partially influenced by hereditary factors, other factors such as sunlight, smoking, eating inflammatory foods, harsh chemicals, and stress can all accelerate the aging process. In order to keep the look and feel of our young and radiant skin, it is best to consume as many anti-wrinkle foods as possible.

1) Eliminate all inflammatory foods from our diet such as sugar, trans fatty acids, and saturated fats which can accelerate the aging of the skin. Focus on nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, soy food, green tea, low-fat dairy products, beans, and whole-grain breads and pastas.

2) Supplement with fish oils. Consuming a minimum from two to three grams of fish oils daily will increase the oiliness of our skin.

3) Pump up the amount of fruits and vegetables we consume to approximately five to nine servings per day. Specifically vitamin C and phytochemicals found in berries and broccoli promote the production of collagen and elastin. As a general rule, the more colorful fruits and vegetables are, the healthier is for us.

4) Do not smoke. Smoking is one of the fastest ways to accelerate the aging of our skin.

5) Minimize dehydrators such as coffee, tea, and sugary pops or drinks. Focus on liquids that promote skin health such as berry herbal teas, green teas, and distilled or reverse osmosis water.

Generally, our skin is the largest organ in the body and one of the best indicators of health. By following these steps above, we will quickly discover that healthy glow we have been looking for.

(Source: Dermascope magazine)