That expensive jar of anti-wrinkle cream can only do so much if you don’t take care of your skin on the inside. Here are some foods that pack a punch of antioxidans which protect against free radicals, which we all know causes ageing. Make sure to add these to your grocery list.

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli are a rich source of vitamin C, which is great for the skin. On top of that, they have carotenoids and anti-cancer substances such as sulphorphane and genistein. They contain a variety of caratenoid pigments which help to prevent age-related eye problems such as cataracts and mascular degenerations.

Tomatoes

A rich source of lycopene, tomatoes help prevent cell ageing. Cooked tomatoes release five times more lycopene than raw tomatoes. increasingly researc is suggesting that, of the many types of carotenoids found in food, lycopene is the most beneficial for protecting against coronary heart disease and cancer - especially cancer of the lung, stomach, mouth, colon, rectum and prostate gland.

Garlic

Garlic has antioxidant, antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties. While it is used to help treat intestinal, respiratory and skin infections, its most important use is to help maintain a healthy heart and circulation. Garlic can reduce high blood pressure, lower levels of harmful blood fats (LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) and improve blood circulation hence healthier skin.

Soybeans

Soybeans contain isoflavones-hormone-like substances that help to prevent ageing due to hormone imbalance. They are also believed to help protect against hormone-sensitive cancers, such as those of the breast and prostate gland. Soybeans can be found in food like [tg]tofu[/tag] and miso.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are essential for healthy skin as they are rich in vitamin E, selenium, zinc and essential fatty acids. Selenium is needed to produce antibodies, for healthy skin and thyroid function as well as being vital for the action of manyimportant antioxidant enzymes in teh body. The riches dietary source of selenium is found in Brazil nuts. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and have been shown to help reduce a raised cholesterol level.

Apples & Berries

Apples contain pectin which helps to lower our cholesterol levels, and antioxidants to rid of free radicals. The vitamin C found in berries is great for building up new collagen in the skin and they also help to prevent those ghastly thread veins that appear as we get that little bit older.

Hence, it is true that ‘we are what we eat’. What we put into our bodies translates into how we look and feel on the outside. So, if you want to avoid looking like a vintage leather handbag, follow the above advice and have fun with life instead!

Recommended Readings:

The Anti-Ageing Cookbook: With over 70 Recipes