If you’re one of the millions of women who are noticing some saggy skin and decreased sense of elasticity this article is for you.
Our aging skin is a complex biological part of the aging process and can create saggy and fragile looking skin.
We typically look for anything that might help our skin look younger, things from foods to creams to botox and other high dollar treatments. It can be overwhelming with all the information out there to know what will really help to maintain young and healthy skin.
One of the best ways to support your skin is through the nutrients of our foods..
Research over the years has revealed the power of our diets and our food choices. By choosing certain foods, they can have a positive impact on your skin.
Our skin is an amazing complex and actually considered an organ. It acts as a protective mechanism from the outside environment as we are constantly exposed to ultraviolet rays, chemical pollution, and other toxins in the environment that slowly over time change the elasticity and appearance of our skin.
Even though our skin has important functions, most of us are solely focused on the cosmetic aspect of our skin.
Our changing skin is commonly one of the first ways we notice we are aging. Over time,we can become somewhat obsessed with the look of our skin and look for help in many different places that often cost us a lot of money.
There is a simple and cost effective way to support your skin that is commonly overlooked. Picking specific foods and adding them to your diet can be one of your secret weapons.
Which foods can help my aging skin?
Here are 5 foods that can help promote healthy skin:
1) Papaya
This is a fruit from the Carica papaya plant. The skin is green when unripe and orange when ripe with black seeds which are edible but somewhat bitter.
Papaya contains a wide range of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help fight free radicals and can help with skin elasticity and healthy looking skin.
These include:
- Vitamins A, C, E and K
- B vitamins
- Calcium and Magnesium
- Potassium and Phosphorus
Papaya also contains an enzyme called papain which supports healthy digestion and is an anti inflammatory agent. It’s common to see this enzyme in exfoliating products and digestive enzyme supplements.
Try fresh papaya for a mid morning snack or use it to make a mask and experience the many benefits!
2) Blueberries
This is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect skin from the sun, life stresses, and prevent collagen loss.
Blueberries are rich in Vitamins A and C as well as another antioxidant called anthyocyanin that gives blueberries its color.
Blueberries are a versatile fruit and can be eaten right out of the bowl, they’re great in a smoothie or on top of some granola in the morning.
3) Red Bell Peppers
Peppers particularly red are loaded with antioxidants. Red peppers contain carotenoids and also are high in vitamin C.
Carotenoids have a variety of anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect the skin from sun damage, and environmental stresses.
Eat red peppers by dipping them into your favorite dip, add them to a stir fry or top your salad with a few slices and enjoy their great taste.
4) Avocados
This fruit is considered a single seeded berry with a sweet yet savory flavor. Avocados are more like vegetables that are listed as such in the USDA sites.
This fruit is packed with essential nutrients to help negate the effects of aging:
- B vitamins
- Vitamins A, C, E and K
- Potassium
Their carotenoid content can help to protect the skin from the environmental toxins we are exposed to daily.
Avocado’s are very versatile and can be eaten with chips and salsa, on a salad or even used as a moisturizer mask.
5) Sweet Potatoes
This large, starchy sweet tasting root vegetable belongs to the morning glory family. The young leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as greens.
Sweet potatoes contain great sources of vitamins C and E and beta carotene. These nutrients support skin elasticity contributing to healthy looking skin.
Try baking some sweet potato fries with olive oil and sea salt or create a sweet potato mash with a touch of maple syrup.
These 5 foods can be part of your arsenal as you support your aging skin.
By nourishing yourself with these anti aging foods, you can fuel your skin and your body to utilize antioxidants and promote skin turnover and look your best.
Set a goal to rotate these foods into your diet and add more foods of color to your plate every day and experience the benefits these foods provide and radiate good heath inside and out.
If you’re looking for a more customized diet plan to support not only your skin but your entire body, I invite you to identify your aging score and learn more about the art and science of defying aging by using this link:
Click Here to Find Out Your Aging Score in 3-Minutes
– Dr. Jenny
