Super Beauty Foods

Beautiful skin and good nutrition go hand-in-hand. Check out a few foods that can fight free radicals and help improve skin radiance, texture, and tone.

Fab 5 Radiance Boosters

For smooth, radiant skin that glows from within, try these 5 foods high in essential fatty acids.

Avocados

Try avocado instead of banana as a thickener in fruit smoothies. You'll add a tangy sensation to go with your heart-healthy beverage.

Nuts

Snack on walnuts or Brazil nuts instead of cookies or potato chips. You’ll enjoy an abundance of vitamin E, good for the heart and circulation.

Seeds

Sprinkle flaxseed, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds on salads and cereals regularly and you’ll get a dose of copper that’s good for both skin and hair.

Oily fish

Eat salmon, mackerel, herrings, and sardines twice a week. Rich in omega 3 oils and lean protein, it’s just what the doctor ordered...for dinner, anyway.

Extra virgin olive oil

Use for cooking and mix with fresh garlic, chili, and lemon zest as a condiment for bread. Buon appetito!

Top 5 Line Smoothers

Fight the good fight against free radicals with these foods that are high in antioxidants.

Berries

Açaí berries and blueberries are particularly rich antioxidant sources and make a great accompaniment to smoothies and cereals. Bonus points for pronunciation (ah-sah-EE).

Citrus fruits

Orange and grapefruit are all excellent sources of vitamin C, essential for the production of collagen and the protection of the immune system.

Tomatoes

One tomato provides 20% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, which plays an active role in the metabolism of skin cells. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C.

Garlic

Provides strong anti-aging properties, as well as a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent. Wards off vampires.

Leafy greens

High in vitamins (A and C) and calcium, plus a good source of fiber. Consider adding spinach, chard, arugula, and mustard greens to your next salad for a healthy complexion and metabolism.

Firming Favorites

As with vitamins, there are certain minerals that are vital for maintaining great skin.

Calcium

Is there anything calcium can’t do? A must for healthy skin (teeth and bones too!), it is especially important for women after menopause to help reduce risk of osteoporosis. Calcium is found in all dairy products, in green leafy vegetables, in whole grains, and in certain fish.

Selenium

Helps keep skin youthful and supple. Found in eggs, onions, garlic, and tuna.

Zinc

Essential for skin health and elasticity. Oysters are a great source of zinc with alleged aphrodisiac qualities! Red meat and poultry also serve as good zinc providers.

Iron

Promotes healthy red blood cells, which are reflected in good skin color. Iron could be enjoyed in egg yolks, liver, red meat, green leafy vegetables, whole grain products, and fish silicon—a super skin smoother.