Super Foods to Keep Us Looking Young!

We all wish there was some sort of magical cure to make our skin look younger. An elixir of life as some would call it made from top secret ingredients found in countries all across the world. If only such a thing existed. But what if I told there is a secret to younger looking skin that isn’t so magical? In fact, it’s actually quite simple. It’s called super foods and by eating these super foods on a regular basis, you can actually slow the aging process in your skin. So what are these “super foods”?

• Almonds: These nuts are a great source of essential fatty acids (EFAs) which are important in decreasing inflammation in the body as well as keeping skin soft and supple. Almonds also contain antioxidants such as selenium and vitamin E which helps protect the skin against free radical damage. You know what they say, a handful of almonds goes a long way!
• Acai: There has been a lot of hype about this berry but for good reason.  It is full of antioxidants, amino acids and EFAs which can help fight against premature aging of the skin. Acai berries are mostly available as a juice but can also be found dried in some health food stores.
• The Allium Family: This family includes garlic, onions, shallots, chives, leeks and spring onions which all contain compounds called flavonoids that help stimulate the production of glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that aids in the elimination of toxins and carcinogens from our body, keeping our skin looking clear and healthy.
• Green Foods: This organization of foods includes blue common algae, wheatgrass and barley grass. Green foods provide amino acids, enzymes and minerals which help to detoxify the skin and body. Try adding a scoop of these green foods to a smoothie in the morning to kick start your day!
• Strawberries: These berries are high in vitamin C which is a potent antioxidant that boosts production of collagen to help keep skin looking smooth and firm which means fewer lines and wrinkles!
• Extra-virgin Olive Oil: Studies have found that this health fat contains EFAs and antioxidants that help skin resist the oxidizing effects and UV damage from the sun. This oxidation can speed up the ageing process and can trigger more skin cells to die which can leave skin looking thin and more prone to wrinkles. Try mixing a tbsp of olive oil with some herbs to make a healthy dressing for salads.
• Green Tea: While technically not a food, green tea still plays an important role in cell rejuvenation. Our skin cells need to be constantly turning over, producing fresh young skin. Studies have also found that the polyphenols found in green tea, specifically EGCG, can help reactivate dying skin cells.

Although there is no quick fix that can shave 10 years off our appearance, eating these types of “super foods” can help slow down the effects of time by keeping our skin looking healthy and youthful.

- Dr. Lesley

http://balancemylife.ca/super-foods-to-keep-us-looking-young-lesley-dsouza-february-2011/