We have all heard the adage “you are what you eat,” and there’s more truth to that statement than you might realize – the dietary choices you make can help slow down the effects of aging. Besides having a sensible skin care routine that includes medical-grade products, eating a balanced diet is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself healthy from the inside out. Here are our six favorite foods for a glowing, ageless complexion.
1. Fish
Nutritional issues like vitamin and mineral deficiencies can take their toll on your skin, leaving it dry and wrinkled. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and keep your skin moisturized. They’re also an excellent source of protein, vitamin E, and zinc.
2. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Eating a rainbow of fresh produce is one way to ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet. The more naturally occurring colors on your plate at each meal or snack, the better off you’ll be. Choosing whole, organic foods will improve your overall health by delivering vital nutrients like antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals that attack your body’s cells. At the grocery store, stay on the perimeter and avoid the aisles, which is where the heavily processed foods are.
3. Avocadoes
Whether you choose to whip up a batch of fresh guacamole or serve avocado toast for brunch, avocadoes are one of the most beneficial fruits you can eat. These nutritional powerhouses contain healthy fats that keep your skin supple and moisturized. You can even find beauty products like moisturizer and hair conditioner that contain avocado as their primary ingredient. Avocadoes also contain vitamins A and C, which help protect your skin from oxidative damage.
4. Red and Yellow Peppers
Bell peppers are tasty raw or cooked, and now you have another reason to add them to your grocery list. Red and yellow peppers are an excellent source of beta carotene, which acts as a natural sunblock and may protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Eating peppers is one of the best ways to keep your skin taut and resilient because of their high vitamin C content, which helps form new collagen.
5. Tomatoes
Tomatoes add pops of cheerful color to salads and form the basis of many delightful soup and salad recipes. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and carotenoids like lycopene. To increase your body’s ability to absorb and use carotenoids, consider serving tomatoes with a source of fat, like cheese or olive oil – such as in a classic Caprese salad.
6. Soy
Soy contains plant compounds called isoflavones, which can benefit your skin health by increasing collagen and protecting you from UV radiation. Because of soy’s ability to mimic some of the effects of estrogen, adding soy to your diet is especially beneficial for middle-aged women because it can minimize menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. You can find soy in tofu, edamame, and soy milk.
Love Your Look
At Facial Plastic Surgery of Austin, we follow a preventive anti-aging philosophy. Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Yula Indeyeva knows one of the best approaches to maintain your youth is to give your skin the attention it deserves, including eating a balanced diet. Once you’ve gotten on a path to better health by adding these foods to your menu, reach out to us to learn more about our surgical and non-surgical options for revitalizing your appearance.
