Archive for November, 2009

The Wonderbar has changed my skin for the better and I really don’t feel I need one other thing in addition to the bar, a great moisturizer and sunscreen.  I am 41,  though, so I want to do everything possible to keep my skin looking youthful.  I notice a huge difference when I don’t drink enough water, for example, or get enough sleep and exercise.   I also notice a change for the worse when I eat junk food……so, I recently did a little research on great foods for skin health and I am listing them here for you:

Tomatoes
“Tomatoes contain lycopene; a powerful antioxidant that repairs damaged skin cells and premature aging cause by your hanging out in the sun for way too long.  Of course, this isn’t to insinuate that you can worship the sun and eat tomatoes and be fine; you need to start avoiding the sun and eating tomatoes more often.  The natural chemicals in tomatoes increase when cooked.”

Seafood
“The goodness of fish has been touted for years and the news just keeps getting better and better. Selenium, which is known to fight off damage caused by sunburn, is found in yummy seafood such as halibut and oysters.  If that weren’t great enough, fattier fish (and don’t worry, it’s the good kind of fat) like salmon and tuna, contain Omega-3 fats , which are known to reduce inflammation and soften skin.”

Olive Oil
“Packed with monounsaturated fat, olive oil, eaten raw, helps your skin to not only remain touchably soft; it also helps your skin maintain its natural oils.  The best of all the olive oils on the market is extra virgin olive oil, because it is rich in antioxidants and oleic acid. Olive oil also contains squalene, which is believed to help repair and rejuvenate skin’s texture.”

Avocados
“Not only is this fruit loaded with monounsaturated fats, it also contains plenty of fiber, vitamins B6, C, and E, potassium, magnesium and folate.”

Berries
“All berries contain a high amount of vitamin C, a necessity for collagen production (collagen keeps your muscles and skin tight and reduces the chances of developing fine lines).  Another fantastic trait of berries, besides the fact that they taste so awesome, is their ability to reduce inflammation.”

Almonds
“One ounce of almonds provides you with half of your daily recommended vitamin E to fight off free radicals (as bad as they sound, free radicals destroy your body’s naturally produced elastin, which causes wrinkles).  Almond skins also contain an antioxidant known as flavonoids, which protect cells from damage – namely skin cells.” 

Carrots
“Carrots are chock full of beta-carotene, the most active form of carotenoids; a plant substance that forms vitamin A. The vitamin A, in turn, helps prevent the skin and eyes from getting dry.  And because of their high mineral content, carrots also lend themselves to healthier skin, hair and nails. But beware – consuming too many carrots will, indeed, turn your skin orange.”

Ground flaxseed
“Flaxseed will not have any skin healing properties unless they are ground, so you need to make sure that if you decide to purchase them, that they are already ground.  Ground flaxseed is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support skin health and increase energy.”

 

Of course, there are many more……..sunflower seeds, low-fat dairy, green tea, citrus fruit, kiwi, sweet potatoes and whole grains are just a few.  People who know me, know I don’t eat some of the foods listed above.  So, tomorrow I am going to make a smoothie with most of them (minus the seafood, of course), and try to disguise the flavor (avocado) with some protein powder!  I’ll let you know how that works out for me.