“Load up on orange fruits and veggies such as oranges, pumpkin and squash. This group is rich in antioxidants like beta carotene that improve eye sight, and Vitamin C that fights wrinkles and wards off sagging skin.”
“The Vitamin E in nuts such as almonds, walnuts, macadamia nut, and cashews is necessary to protect your skin against age spots,” says Dr. Ro. “It improves complexion and tone.”
Swap the soda and sugary juices for these healthy sips and drink daily, says Dr. Ro. “Green, black and white teas naturally reduce inflammation, acne, and premature aging that comes from sun damage.” Green tea also lessens the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn keeps collagen in tact. “When we talk about skin suppleness, collagen is a big factor,” she adds.
“Allium vegetables include garlic, onion, leeks, shallots, chives and scallions. These make arteries more supple and blood can flow through them with ease,” says Dr. Ro. “When you get blood flow to all of your organs, you’re feeding it with the nutrition it needs to do its thing.” With skin being the body’s largest organ, she recommends loading up on this group daily to regain and maintain your glow.
“Fruits that are really great for the skin include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and papaya. These fruits are Vitamin C-rich, which fights damaging free radicals and help give you a dewy glow,” says Dr. Ro.
Dr. Ro recommends loading up on salmon, tuna, trout, and mackerel two to three times per week. “They contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-aging by their very nature because they protect skin from the most damaging free radicals that age the skin. They also fight inflammation, a major aging enemy.” If you’re not a fan of fish, she insists adding flaxseed oil or grapeseed oil to foods like salads and smoothies.
“The selenium-rich fungus in mushrooms such as shitake, button, and portobello helps skin appear more youthful,” says Dr. Ro.
Stay away from sugary foods, which can spike insulin, increase inflammation and clog pores. Instead, help keep skin clear with healthy whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa, and whole wheat pasta. “It all adds up to that healthy, supply of collagen production,” says Dr. Ro.
Spinach, kale, turnip greens, and broccoli are vitamin A-packed greens that ward off dry, tough, scaly skin. “Greens also help with maintaining optimal eyesight,” says Dr. Ro.
“The Vitamin E and biotin necessary for healthy, shiny hair are found within the yolk,” says Dr. Ro. She adds that obsessing over the yolk’s fat content is counterproductive. “Eggs are far healthier today than they were 10 to 20 years ago. They’re breeding chickens that make eggs that are richer in vitamins and they are even lower in fat and cholesterol. They’re not your grandma’s eggs!”
“The Vitamin E in nuts such as almonds, walnuts, macadamia nut, and cashews is necessary to protect your skin against age spots,” says Dr. Ro. “It improves complexion and tone.”
