Foods and Recipes for Younger Looking Skin
Who doesn’t want to look younger than they are? The vitamins and minerals that are found in our food can help protect our skin from UV damage, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, and increase its color and elasticity. Here are some foods rich in the essential vitamins and minerals for healthy skin that can give you the natural glow you’re looking for!
Start Your Day with Water
Dehydration is the fastest way to dry, tight, flaky skin. Make sure to start your day with about 16 ounces of fresh filtered water. You can even try adding fresh lemon juice to get the added boost of Vitamin C, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and age spots.
RECIPE: Warm Lemon Water
- 16 oz. warm water
- Juice from ½ lemon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions: Stir together in a container of your choosing – whether it’s a travel mug or a regular glass. Enjoy this first thing every morning!
Add Blueberries to Your Breakfast
The damage caused by free radicals is at the heart of premature aging. Antioxidants protect our cells from free radicals and keep our skin healthy and youthful. Blueberries are extremely high in antioxidant activity and a perfect addition to the most important meal of the day.
RECIPE: Almond Butter Oatmeal with Blueberries and Cinnamon
- ½ cup cooked oatmeal
- 1 tbsp. almond butter
- ¼ cup blueberries
- Pinch of cinnamon
Directions: Stir the almond butter in to the warm, cooked oats. Top with blueberries and cinnamon. Enjoy!
Top Your Lunch with Tomato & Avocado
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene. Lycopene helps the production of collagen, which improves your skins elasticity. Avocado is rich in Oleic Acid, which adds moisture to the skin and makes it softer.
RECIPE: Tomato, Avocado & Turkey Sandwich
- 2 slices whole grain, sprouted bread
- 3 slices turkey
- 1 tbsp. roasted red pepper hummus
- ¼ avocado, sliced
- 1 thick slice of tomato
Directions: Combine and serve with fresh fruit or a side salad.
Snack on Apples & Green Tea
Quercetin is a powerful bioflavonoid that increases the production of collagen and fibronectin. Both of these substances are necessary to keep the skin healthy and even help wounds heal. Quercetin is found in most fruits and vegetables but especially high in red apples and green tea.
Add Some Orange to Your Dinner
The orange color in fruits and vegetables indicate the presence of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a very powerful antioxidant that is converted to Vitamin A and Vitamin A is responsible for your skin’s tone and texture and results in a youthful glow. This time of year there is no shortage of wonderful choices, such as sweet potatoes and squash.