Keep Your Skin Glowing with These 9 Anti-Aging Superfoods
It's an old adage: You are what you eat. Stay healthy, youthful and glowing with these nine anti-aging superfoods for skin and hair.
1. Coconut
Coconut is a powerhouse of healthy fats that help keep skin and hair smooth. Replace other cooking oils with coconut oil to put its potent, anti-inflammatory properties to work for your skin. Reducing inflammation helps preserve collagen, which helps keep wrinkles from forming. When you use products that contain coconut oil, the fats help trap moisture and repair your skin.
2. Soy
Soy is rich in isoflavones, which help skin retain its moisture. They also help your skin make more collagen and elastin to help keep you glowing. Soy also contains proteinase inhibitors, which help keep dark spots from forming.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is packed with antioxidants. Research shows that over time, it can help decrease UV damage from sun exposure. It can also help increase firmness, reduce redness and soothe inflammation.
4. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are high in antioxidants, too. They increase circulation, which promotes a bright, smooth complexion. This superfruit is high in vitamin C, which helps your skin create fresh new cells. Pomegranate also protects skin from UV damage and stimulates the growth of new collagen.
5. Honey
Honey is a good source of skin-supporting trace minerals like selenium and manganese. Natural, raw honey is also antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal, which helps speed healing and reduce scarring of skin wounds when applied topically.
6. Yogurt
The bacteria in yogurt, a.k.a. probiotics, can help keep your whole system humming, including your skin. It’s also a great acne buster when applied directly as a mask.
7. Chocolate
Dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao is full of antioxidant-rich flavonoids. Research shows that they boost blood flow by up to 100% to the top layer of your skin to help build new cells. When applied topically, it can boost hydration and help minimize the look of fine lines and dark circles.
8. Tomato
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which can help soak up free radicals from the sun's rays and shield you from getting burned. Eating tomatoes can help your skin stay firm, and one study suggests they may help prevent skin cancer.
9. Avocado
If you're looking for deep hydration, start eating more avocadoes. These lush, green babies can help build collagen, prevent wrinkles and increase your skin's elasticity. Avocado can also help you fight frizz when you use its oil as a hair conditioner.