4 Anti-Aging Food Groups

Taken from Paula Begoun's website www.cosmeticscop.com -there were actually 5, but I left off the green tea/wine option:)

http://www.cosmeticscop.com/BULLETIN/051011-full.htm?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Read+More+%C2%BB&utm_content=5+Wrinkle-Fighting+Foods+to+Add+to+Your+Grocery+List&utm_campaign=05.10.11+Beauty+Exclusives

4 Anti-Aging Superfoods for Younger-Looking Skin

Scientific research makes it abundantly clear that a healthy diet wards off disease and helps maintain a healthy body. Less well known, however, is that diet also affects our appearance as we age! When it comes to looking younger, there are certain foods that actually slow down the outward signs of aging—wrinkles, sagging, dull skin and more!

The latest research clearly shows how a skin-friendly diet can help your skin build healthy new collagen, improve its elasticity, make your skin look radiant, and even reduce breakouts. Without question the foods we list below, along with exercise, a good skin-care routine, and staying out of the sun, will make a HUGE difference in your appearance!

Here is your recipe for younger-looking skin. Bon appetit!

1) Berries
Berries play an important role in your appearance because they are full of antioxidants, which protect your skin from the free radicals that contribute to aging. The darker the berry, the better: blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, acai, and strawberries are known to have high concentrations of antioxidants. Fresh is best, but frozen berries are good, too!

2) Salmon
Salmon is loaded with omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants, such as astaxanthin. Eating salmon can reduce sun damage, reduce inflammation that leads to collagen breakdown, and help skin look young, plump, and radiant.

If you're not a fan of fish, there are other sources of potent essential fatty acids that benefit skin, including flaxseed, avocadoes, and walnuts. You can also take omega-3 fish oil supplements (but check with your doctor first).

3) Sweet Potatoes, Fruits, and Leafy Greens
Foods rich in beta carotene have anti-aging benefit because they slow the damage caused by sun exposure. Think sweet potatoes; orange, red, or yellow fruits; vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and butternut squash; and leafy greens, including kale, spinach, and broccoli. Another great source of antioxidants which most of us eat regularly? Tomatoes!

4) Spices
Why not throw in some flavor to help keep your skin wrinkle-free and younger looking? Add spices like cardamom, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, coriander, fenugreek, ginger, licorice powder, tamarind, and turmeric to your favorite recipes. These spices have a variety of amazing benefits for skin, including fighting sun damage, and some have antibacterial properties. They're also a brilliant way to make mundane meals like grilled chicken sizzle with flavor!

We all nkow most of these, but I didn't know about turmeric! When I read about turmeric, bells went off...maybe this is what is saving me...I probably eat more turmeric than the average north american...Mano's been plying me with turmeric our whole life! I can thank Sarra for the blueberry habit...I hope there are no downsides to blueberries, b/c I consume them every day pretty well.