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12 Anti-Aging Foods That Work Better Than Botox (We Love #8)
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When they say that we are what we eat, they aren’t kidding. Have you seen those before and after pictures of people who get into heavy drug use? The first thing you notice is how bad their skin looks. They age 10 or 20 years in a matter of 1 to 3 years, and their skin often looks wrinkled, and it usually has a sickly tone to it.
What we put into our bodies can make us have a beautiful, glowing complexion or it can give us skin that looks years older than our actual age. If you have ever “over-indulged” on a long vacation and eaten tons of junk foods and processed foods, only to notice when you get ready to go back to work that your complexion has paid the price, then you understand what we are talking about.
You can fight off the signs of aging by feeding your body what it really needs: whole foods with real nutrition that will keep your skin looking younger, firmer, and unbelievably radiant.
Keep reading and find out which foods will give your skin longer lasting results than any Botox treatment. They cost far less and will do far more for your looks than a trip to the dermatologist!
1. Carrots
Although many people think that carrots are only good for your eyesight, they can also go a long way towards preventing wrinkles! Loaded with vitamin C and beta-carotene, they protect your skin from the damaging UV rays of the sun. Carrots are so healing that you often see them advertised as the main ingredients in many pricy face creams and body lotions. Always choose organic carrots.
2. Avocados
Avocados are a real treat for your skin, as well as being one of nature’s true super foods. Avocados have tons of essential fatty acids that are good for your skin as they moisturize and nourish it. In fact, avocado oil is one of the best fruit oils for beautiful skin. These delicious fruits have plenty of B complex vitamins, as well as vitamin E, both of which your skin needs for elasticity. Vitamin C is vital for the skin as it helps to create new skin cells. One of the best things about avocados is that they have such thick skins (and you remove them anyway) that you can buy conventional fruits and not have to worry so much about contamination.
3. Turmeric
The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is what gives this spice its golden color. It’s also what gives turmeric its anti-inflammatory reputation! Turmeric has been found in studies to be just as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil and hydrocortisone, and without all those nasty side effects. Turmeric reduces inflammation and oxidation in the body, which can help your skin to naturally heal itself as well as giving you more beautiful skin without all the redness. Add one tablespoon of turmeric powder to one glass of warm milk and drink daily.
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4. Berries
All types of berries are full of healthy antioxidants, something you definitely want more of if you wish to have beautiful skin. Antioxidants kill the free radicals that are in our bodies, damaging our DNA and our cells and causing premature aging. Berries can fight damage caused by environmental pollutants and toxins. As we mentioned, all types of berries are good, but blueberries and raspberries are especially noted for their high levels of antioxidants. Because of their colors, these two types of berries also have anthocyanins, which improve the effects of the vitamin C they contain. Berries are also a good source of vitamin E and have so much to offer your skin in the way of nutrition that you should seriously consider eating some type of berry every single day.
5. Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids moisturize the skin and protect it from the UV rays of the sun. Fatty fish such as salmon are a terrific source of omega-3s, not to mention a tasty way to preserve your skin’s smoothness. Omega-3 fatty acids have other amazing health benefits, such as encouraging heart health, and recent studies found that omega-3s can even help prevent breast cancer. Salmon gets its beautiful pink color from a potent antioxidant called astaxanthin. This does an excellent job when it comes to destroying the free radicals that occur when your skin is overexposed to the sun. Eating some Alaskan sockeye wild salmon two or more times per week will not only ease wrinkles, it will do wonders for your overall health.
6. Buckwheat
Ensure that your skin stays firm and elastic by eating more buckwheat. Buckwheat is one of the few foods that contain all eight essential amino acids and it is a terrific source of protein. Both of these factors help enable your skin to repair itself. Buckwheat is a source of rutin, a compound which helps your body to utilize vitamin C, which will keep your collagen levels high. Make it as your breakfast porridge or use buckwheat flour to make your own delicious baked goods.
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7. Honey
You will often see honey in many high quality face masks, and there is a good reason for this. Honey is hygroscopic in nature, which means that when it is exposed to the air, it draws moisture to itself. This can keep your skin well hydrated and fresh looking, and prevents it from drying out. Honey will also kill the type of bacteria which can cause acne and other breakouts. Always use raw, organic honey as this type has not been processed, so it is still loaded with those healthy antioxidants. You can use honey directly on your skin and consume it as well to keep your skin healthy from the inside out.
8. Paprika
Paprika is one of the absolute best spices you can consume if you want to slow down the aging process on your skin. Rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and A, it actually absorbs free radicals which cause serious damage to the collagen of your skin and helps to maintain your skin’s firmness. Add paprika to your foods, smoothies, and any way you can to keep your skin soft, supple, and beautifully firm.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of those great foods which, if you eat them on a regular basis, will give you noticeable results within 6 or so weeks. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which stimulates your body to produce collagen, which will keep your skin firm. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, a compound that protects your skin from the dangerous UV rays of the sun. Tomatoes are also terrific for their anti-cancer compounds. The deeper red the tomato is, the better it is for your skin. Eat at least two very ripe tomatoes every day for truly beautiful skin you can see.
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10. Yogurt/Kefir
Yogurt and kefir contain a type of friendly bacteria called probiotics. These nourish your skin both on the inside and the outside. Always consume natural, unsweetened yogurt with active cultures so it can work its magic on your gut bacteria, reducing inflammation in the body, which will reduce redness in your skin tone. When your digestive tract is working well and filled with healthy bacteria, you are much less likely to develop skin problems, as your immune system will be working at its best. You can replace yogurt with kefir, which is a type of very thin yogurt that you drink. This drink has three times more probiotics than any type of yogurt.
11. Green Tea
You have probably heard quite a bit about green tea lately, and for good reason. Next time you are wondering what beverage to drink, choose freshly brewed green tea. Loaded with powerful antioxidants called catechins, these compounds swiftly deal with free radicals and protect your skin from damage. For best results, go for loose tea, rather than tea bags. Never buy bottled tea as these contain little or no catechins. For a double dose of these free-radical-killing ingredients, opt for matcha tea, the finest green tea in the world. Add a bit of lime to your tea to make it an uplifting, as well as skin-rejuvenating, beverage.
SEE ALSO: 20 of the Best Anti-Aging Oils for Naturally Beautiful Skin
12. Nuts
Replace those unhealthy and skin aging snacks, such as potato chips, with a handful of healthy nuts. Almonds are rich in vitamin E and help to fight skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis as well as acne. Walnuts are the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids that will nourish and soften your skin. Brazil nuts contain selenium, which is great for fighting wrinkles. Brazil nuts are also full of skin healthy vitamin E. Don’t overdo the nuts, however. They taste great but they are high in calories. You need only a handful each day to get all the beautiful skin benefits that you are looking for. If you choose Brazil nuts, you need only two each day. What a great tasting way to get beautiful skin.
You really are what you eat and if you eat healthy, nourishing foods, your skin will take on a healthy, well-nourished look as well.
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