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WALNUTS
Another great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which
have been shown to reduce inflammation that may
lead to wrinkles. Walnuts also contain linolenic
acid, which converts to omega-3 in the body.
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EAT UP
-
Store walnuts in pre-portioned Ziploc bags in a desk
drawer or glove compartment.
-
Crush walnuts, mix them with cinnamon, and sprinkle
on cereal or oatmeal.
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FIGS
Not only a great source of potassium (which helps
with blood pressure) and high in fiber, Figs also
contain beta-carotene and flavonoids. Dried figs
have a higher amount of the antioxidant polyphenol
(ranging from 4 to 50 times higher). Remember,
antioxidants fight free radicals. Having fewer
free radicals means less cellular damage and,
therefore, stronger nails, healthier skin, and
shinier hair.
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EAT UP
-
Poach figs in juice and serve with ricotta cheese.
-
Take a fresh fig and stuff with cottage cheese and
chopped almonds.
-
Melt an ounce of dark chocolate and pour over a few
dried figs; top with
chopped walnuts, yum!
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DARK CHOCOLATE
The hype over chocolate is still going strong—and
rightfully so. The cocoa flavanols found in dark
chocolate may increase blood flow to the skin due
to their effect on vessel dilation. The increased
blood flow improves skin structure and texture.
Dark chocolate may offer photo-protection and
improve the skin’s appearance, as a result of
decreased sensitivity to UV light. In addition,
cocoa may reduce pro-inflammatory compounds called
leukotrienes. So, chocolate has my vote—but,
remember, you only need a small amount to reap the
benefits without adding to your waistline.
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EAT
UP
-
Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on your yogurt.
-
Add 1/2 ounce chopped chocolate to healthy trail
mix.
-
Freeze 1-ounce portions and use as an after-dinner
treat with a cup of hot tea.
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WHEAT GERM
A great source of vitamin E, wheat germ is rarely
recognized as a beauty food but rather as a health
food item that your 7th grade science teacher used
to eat. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that slows the
aging process by reducing the enzyme collagenase,
which breaks down collagen. Vitamin E helps form
muscles and tissues, helps prevent wrinkles, and
helps with the healing of scars. Vitamin E also
reduces oxidative stress by scavenging free
radicals in our body. I also love wheat germ
because it is an excellent source of folic
acid—good for pregnant women and anyone concerned
about heart health.
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EAT
UP
-
Sprinkle on roasted asparagus, string beans, or
Brussels sprouts.
-
Add a tablespoon to your morning smoothie.
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Baking bread? Muffins? Pancakes? Add some in.
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WHOLE GRAINS
An excellent source of vitamin B complex, which
helps with skin cell restoration, hair growth, and
gives skin a more youthful appearance. If you lack
B vitamins in your diet, you may have dry, scaly
skin, premature wrinkles, and poor hair growth.
Whole grains are also a good source of selenium.
Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make
selenoproteins, important antioxidant enzymes. The
antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help
prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Whole
grains also contain fiber, which helps rid the
body of toxins that may be negatively affecting
your skin.
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EAT
UP
-
Start your morning
off with a high fiber whole grain as part of your breakfast.
-
Use whole grains as a side dish at dinner, next to
dark greens and lean protein.
-
Do not supplement with selenium; you can get enough
from the foods you eat.
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So there you
have it —
the best of the beauty foods. There are a
lot of other foods out there that not only promote
overall health, but beautify as well. Always go
for lean meats, dark greens, and lots of
vegetables and fruit. If you eat great, you will
look great!
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