10 Foods for Pretty Skin

I'm an avid reader of Prevention Magazine. A magazine that provides women very educational information on health, beauty, nutrition, fitness and even cooking! In the April 2010 issue, it has a fabulous article called The Pretty Skin Diet that discusses 10 foods you need to have in your daily diet to achieve pretty younger-looking skin. In addition to that, the properties contained in these foods also help promotes overall health. I'm very excited to share these with you as you so you can prepare your glowing and healthier skin for the summer. :)

1. Romain Lettuce - six leaves provide more than 100% of our DV of vitamin A, which revitalizes skin by increasing cell turnover; and the mineral potassium will give your skin a refreshing boost of nutrients and oxygen by improving circulation. It also contains vitamin K that supports vascular health reducing the likely hood of developing bulging leg veins
2. Tomatoes - prevents skin from turning red and protect the skin from sunburn. 5 tablespoons of high-in-lycopene tomatoes paste daily will provide skin with more collagen and prevent fine lines and furrows. It also lowers your chances of heart disease.
3. Strawberries - a cup has up to 130% of the DV of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that boosts production of collagen fibers that help keep skin smooth and firm. Researches also show that the ellagic acid from strawberries serves as an antioxidant to protect the skin's elastic fibers and prevent skin from sagging. It also lowers risk of cancer.
4. Apples - quercetin, an antioxidant in the peel protects the skin from harmful burningUVB rays that trigger skin cancer. The benefits come from the peel. Eating 2 or more apples per week lowers your risk of developing heart disease by 15%.
5. Soy - 3 ounces a day for 12 weeks helps reduce fine lines and increase skin firmness. In addition to skin health, soy may reduce your risk of developing endometrial and ovarian cancers and diabetes and prevent a recurrence of breast cancer. The best sources of soy isedamame, tempeh and tofu.
6. Eggs - provides 2 antioxidants. lutein and zeaxanthin, provides 4 times the skin protection against UV damage than any other foods. It also helps skin softer, firmer and better hydrated. An egg a day also helps protect the retina from light damage.
7. Almonds - eating a handful of almonds daily boosts levels of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants that gives your skin moisture. And interestingly, even though nuts are high in calories, eating almonds at least twice a week reduce weight gain in women.
8. Walnuts - contains omega-3 fat that is key in lubricating the skin to keep it moist and supple. It also contains melatonine that promotes better sleep. A 1/2 ounce serving of walnuts provides 100% of the recommended daily intake.
9. Cocoa Made with Dark Chocolate - daily cocoa habit promotes positively glowing skin. Women who drank 1/2 cup of cocoa high in flavonoids every day for 12 weeks in a study had significantly softer, smoother, and better hydrated skin. Try Nestle' Hot Cocoa Dark Chocolate.
10. And finally, Extra Virgin Olive Oil - contains the healthy fat that helps skin resists UV damage, based on a Lancet Oncology study. Consume about 1 tablespoon of olive oil daily to keep skin supple. Olive Oil also contains properties that lowers cholesterol and helps prevent obesity and diabetes by revving the energy centers in your cells. Using it at meals also warded off the next round of hunger pains so you're less likely to snack.

As I read through the article, I was very happy to realize I have almost all of the above in my fridge and cupboards. To get additional health and beauty tips, visit prevention.com

To your health and beauty,

Lisa[at]thelovely[dot]ca