Skin-Enhancing Foods

 

Wake up to a beautifying breakfast

Wake up to a vitamin C-rich morning meal. Enjoy a hearty omelet stuffed with sautéed broccoli and bell peppers. Elevate the goodness with sliced guava, kiwi or strawberries on the side. These fruits and veggies are loaded with skin-enhancing vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that may help with collagen repair, assist in photo protection and promote wound healing.

Research also shows that it may decrease harmful free radicals and inflammation. Plus, they’re tasty and good for you, too. What a deal!

Serve up a lycopene-loaded lunch

Lycopene is an antioxidant which gives red fruits and veggies their deep-colored hue, and research shows it may help to protect against sun damage and lower the risk for skin cancer. Eating a diet rich in lycopene may also help reduce inflammation and prevent collagen breakdown, one of the major causes of wrinkles.

Whip up a dazzling dinner and dessert

For supper, dine on arctic char or salmon, since they’re swimming with omega-3 fats Then, up the ante with omega-3-rich sides, like spiced edamame and a portion of brown rice or quinoa mixed with toasted, chopped walnuts.

Craving dessert? Dive into this simple (and health-ified!) vanilla pumpkin pudding topped with chopped apricots or mango. Omega-3 fats — coming from the fish, walnuts, and soybeans — may help skin retain moisture and boost elasticity. Plus, the beta-carotene-rich dessert (thanks to pumpkin, apricots and mango) may help reduce sagging skin, wrinkles and even clogged pores. A delicious and satisfying dinner that’s good for you and your skin — get cooking!

Try this spiced edamame recipe and the sweet vanilla pudding recipe.