| Anti-aging Nutrients
A healthy skin tone projects youthfulness, energy, and vitality to the world around us. After all, your skin is an indicator of your overall health. As consumers, we are constantly bombarded by slick marketing proclaiming the discovery of the fountain of youth. Contrary to their claims, the human body is magnificent and more than capable of keeping us looking young and healthy. We only have one responsibility. That is to fuel the body properly with superfoods containing skin-friendly nutrients and regular exercise. This is your guide to discovering your own fountain of youth. Nothing has more of an effect on your body's appearance than the food you consume, hence the cliche, "you are what, you eat". Whoever coined that phrase, solved one of the world's most pressing questions. How do you live forever? Well, living forever is currently out of our realm of reality but living a long, healthy, prosperous life is not. Our planet produces foods that practically insure extended life spans. Four essential anti-aging vitamins play key roles for living stronger longer. Vitamin A There are two forms of vitamin A: retinoids and carotenoids. Retinoids come "ready-made" and are supplied by foods. Carotenoids are converted to vitamin A within the body during the metabolic process. Vitamin A is beneficial to the skin in that it reduces free radicals, protects the skin, aids in skin repair, and is a key nutrient for numerous functions of the skin. The best sources of vitamin can be found in dairy products, eggs, salmon, and halibut. The carotenoids category would include green leafy vegetables, such as, spinach and broccoli, yams, carrots, prunes, and cherries. B-Complex B-complex enhances the complexion and stimulates energy production in the skin's cells. They also help in the production and repair of body tissues. The health benefits of the B-complex vitamins are numerous. Memory functions, emotional balance, proper nervous system functioning are all linked to the B-complexes. B-complexes can be found in fruits (bananas, citrus fruits), grains (oatmeal, whole grains), nuts (walnuts, almonds), legumes (beans, lentils), and animal sources (eggs, tuna). Vitamin C Vitamin C benefits the skin by facilitating renewal and repair of bodily tissues, especially the skin. Also note that vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen. Being a key antioxidant, vitamin C prevents free radical-induced diseases, age-related eye diseases, and helps to lower blood pressure. Leafy green vegetables, cabbage, brussel sprouts and all fruits, especially citrus, are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin E Vitamin E is one of the most powerful nutrients for your skin. It aids in skin hydration, reduces inflamation, and assists in healing damaged tissue. Much like vitamin C, vitamin E is an important antioxidant. It helps to lower cholesterol, improves blood flow and circulation, protects against cancer and heart disease. Foods rich in vitamin are grains (whole grains, wheat germ), vegetables (sweet potato, avocado), fruits (mango) nuts (sunflower seeds, almonds), legumes (soy beans, soy products), most vegetable oils, and animal products (fish oil, salmon). |
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