Fighting Wrinkles with Veggies

People who are weary of their wrinkles often think of Botox and fillers. While these treatments can do marvels in skillful hands, there are simple steps we can take in our everyday life to reduce or delay the need to these treatments. According to a study in the British Journal of Nutrition, people who eat lots of green and yellow vegetables tend to develop fewer wrinkles, including those pesky crow’s feet. It’s no surprise as colorful vegetable are great sources of anti-aging phytochemicals and antioxidants. Here are a few healthy foods that can specifically help your skin and your body:

– Olive oil: Rich in healthy essential fatty acids and antioxidant polyphenols, olive oil can protect body and skin from damaging effects of free radicals which are among the leading causes of aging.

– Dark chocolate: Cocoa flavanols are nutrients that can help hydrate skin and improve its blood flow, helping with skin dryness and scaliness. Just watch out for the excess calories that often come with chocolate bars!

– Walnuts: One of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids besides fish oil, which can help to protect skin against dryness, scaliness and eczema.

– Tomatoes: While it’s no replacement for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, tomatoes have lycopene, which can help to protect skin against harmful rays of the sun. Think of it as an edible sun screen booster!

– Green tea: Another healthy food rich in antioxidants such as catechins and polyphenols, green tea can improve skin tone and elasticity while boosting its protection against harmful rays of sun and improving skin blood flow.

– Kale: A great source of antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin which can neutralize free radicals and protect skin against sun damage and photo-aging, in addition to being rich in vitamins A and C, both essential for healthy skin and making new collagen.