About one year ago, I found my skin changing. All of a sudden I had dryness and splotches on my skin. This is the first time in my life I have ever had a problem with my skin.
My first thought was that it was something that I must be eating. But, my diet had not really changed. Then I realized the awful truth … my skin is aging!
It was almost funny. I do not really think of myself as “old”. It just had not occurred to me that perhaps it is time to take a look at my diet and what I can do from a natural basis to improve my skin.
I have always been a healthy eater. I basically eat lots of green leafy vegetables, drink about 60 ounces of water a day and closely watch my sugar intake too. When it comes to meat, I eat only salmon and occasionally turkey breast.
But, I also realized that if I add more super foods to my daily menu that will help my skin as I mature. Here are my super foods that I eat on a regular basis. These super foods have made a great difference in my skin and my overall health.
11 Best Superfoods For Your Aging Skin
1. Almonds
Almonds are rich in vitamin E and are great for the skin. They are also rich in omega 3 that supports brain, heart and joints health. Eating a handful a day or sprinkling some over our salads or oatmeal, help support healthy skin.
2. Coconut Oil
One of my favorite’s, coconut oil is wonderful for the skin. It is especially helpful with very dry skin, wrinkles, and smoothing out your skin tone. Try cooking with coconut oil or adding coconut oil to your smoothies.
3. Avocado
Avocados are wonderful to use as a mask or to add to your salads. It is full of omega 3 and vitamin E oil.
4. Bell Peppers
All bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green) are wonderful for the skin. They are full of vitamin C, which is essential when you have very dry skin, and they also help with collagen production.
5. Spinach
Full of vitamin E, vitamin C and beta carotene – ‘spinach’ is great for slowing the aging process for skin. Spinach helps protect the skin from UV rays. Eat at least one cup a day. You can use it in your salads, smoothies, or soups.
6. Chia Seeds
I use chia seeds in my smoothies, oatmeal and yogurt. They are full of omega 3, protein and fiber. Chia seeds are also helpful with inflammation.
Try making Chia seed pudding. It is very simple and easy to make. Blend a palm full with two cups of milk, a half-teaspoon of vanilla, and two teaspoons of dried fruit, like dates, currants, or figs.
7. Aronia Berries
These berries are even better than blueberries. They are a strong antioxidant, reduces inflammation, minimizes acne and wrinkles, and increases blood circulation. Aronia berries are very tart, but can be used in muffins, smoothies or made as a jam.
8. Dark Chocolate
Surprise! Dark chocolate is actually good for your skin. It helps keep the skin hydrated, protects skin from sun damage, and surprisingly does not cause acne. The best dark chocolate has at least 85% cocoa and is not sweet.
9. Cilantro
This herb is rich in vital vitamins and antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C and folates, all of which is great for your skin. I love to add it as a garnish to soups, and also to salads for a wonderful, rich herbal flavor. Cilantro is also good for cardiovascular health and lowers blood pressure.
10. Grapes
The skin of grapes has resveratrol, which counters inflammation and can help slow the aging process. I add grapes to my smoothies and snack on them all the time. Put them in the freezer for a refreshing snack on a hot day.
11. Blueberries
I can not say enough about how great blueberries are for your immune system and your skin. Blueberries can help reduce the appearance of skin. They can also help with blemishes and acne. Blueberries have an added benefit, as a good source of fiber.
Caution:
Blueberries generally do not cause any side effects. However, those with underlying health conditions should check with their medical practitioner before adding blueberries to their diet.
- They are a good source of Vitamin K, an anticoagulant. For those already taking the daily recommended amount of Vitamin K, a sudden increase might pose a risk.
- They also lower the level of blood sugar in diabetics, so the consumption of berries should go hand in hand with monitoring for signs of hypoglycaemia.
- It is advised that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consume blueberries in moderation, as the risks posed in consuming larger amounts is not known yet.
