So it’s January and the time of new starts and rejuvenation. As well as giving your love life a kickstart, are you thinking about overhauling your diet? We’ve listed some foods to help you eat yourself beautiful:
Blueberries
These berries are higher in antioxidants many other fruits and vegetables, including strawberries. The antioxidants neutralize DNA-damaging free radicals, reducing cell damage. They are also packed with vitamin C, which helps to strengthen collagen formation and reduce the signs of aging.
Spinach
It’s not just good for Popeye! According to research in Australia, the more of the green veg you eat, the lower your risk of developing skin cancer because spinach, along other leafy greens like kale, are packed with folic acid and vitamins, helping to boost the skin’s natural defence against UV damage. According to research, three servings per week reportedly helped those with a previous history of the disease cut their risk of a recurrence by 55 per cent.
Sweet potatoes
Full of beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A known to prevent and minimise sunburn damage, sweet potatoes are great for your skin. They are also rich in vitamin C and copper, which boosts collagen production.
Green tea
The Chinese have been talking about the health benefits of green tea for centuries and now we know why. A cup of green tea is a rich source of the antioxidants, which helps fight aging. Research by scientists at the Medical College of Georgia shows that the polyphenol most abundant in green tea actually reactivates dying skin cells. In addition to its skin-healthy properties, green tea is also high in vitamins K, C, D, as well as iron, riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron.
Watercress
Watercress is high in potassium, which is considered useful in treating acidity and purifying the blood. By cleansing the blood, watercress is useful for treating skin eruptions, eczema, rashes, and other skin infections.
Tomatoes
Lycopene in tomatoes has been shown to reduce skin cell damage and redness. To get the most benefit add extra-virgin olive oil into your tomato sauce as the oleic acid in the oil helps the absorb lycopene.
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are a great source of the vitamin E, which has been shown to prevent cell damage from free radicals. They also contain selenium, which is a proven enemy of cancer.
Almonds
These nuts are one of the best food sources of vitamin E, which defends against sun damage. They are also are rich in quercetin, which also protects against UV rays and the breakdown of collagen that causes wrinkles.
Dark chocolate
This is the news we have been waiting for: in addition to protecting us from heart disease and strokes, the antioxidants flavonols in our favourite choc helps us resist skin damage from the sun. Forget milk or white chocolate: it must be dark and contain at least 70 per cent cacao.
Oysters
These slimy treats are full on zinc, a major player in skin repair. This element also keeps nails and hair healthy and protects your eyes from vision problems. If oysters aren’t your choice, you can also find zinc in meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seafood and wholegrains. Bon appétit!
Any more foods to add to our list? Tell us @lovestruck
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