THE KAPLINSKY REPORT

Have you ever wandered what the secret is behind having youthful, healthy looking skin? Well the answer may be easier than deciphering the Da vinci code and a lot cheaper than the wallet depleting cosmetics that promise you eternal youth. They’re called super-foods. (Read: Transcend: Nine Steps to Living Well Forever)

Super-foods are natural foods that are high in antioxidants, packed with age-busting properties and fight cell damage from free radicals. Another great thing is that you can find most of these natural weapons against aging in your local grocery store:

1. Flax Seed – The high concentration of healthy Omega 3 & 6 oils, as well as vitamin E found in flax seed helps the skin look youthful. Even though some fats are high in calories, the oil in flax seed is actually good for you. 2 tablespoons of flax seed contain only 70 calories and can be incorporated into any recipe. It can work wonders for dry skin and help reduce inflammation. For those with psoriasis and eczema, adding flax seed – preferably ground flax seed to the diet – would be ideal.

2. Avocado- can boost moisture levels in dehydrated skin and is great for the fight against wrinkles. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E found in avocado helps in keeping the skin soft and smooth. Avocado also contains sterolins which plays a role in reducing age spots and heals sun damage. The emollient properties of avocado make it the perfect ammunition for skin regeneration.

Tip: Be on the look out for unblemished avocados with smooth shiny green skin, when shopping for fruit and vegetables.

3. Carrots – The carotenoids found in this vegetable when consumed, build up in the skin and provide protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays absorbed by the skin. Nibbling on just one carrot a day will give you your vitamin A needs for the day. (See: Stop Aging, Start Living: The Revolutionary 2-Week pH Diet That Erases Wrinkles, Beautifies Skin, and Makes You Feel Fantastic)

Tip: Buy organic carrots for extra health benefits.

4. Apples- A  study conducted by Monash University, in Melbourne, showed a link between eating a Mediterranean-style diet (Read: The Mediterranean Prescription: Meal Plans and Recipes to Help You Stay Slim and Healthy for the Rest of Your Life)and showing less skin wrinkling than those who maintained a less healthy diet. One of the beneficial foods found to be responsible for fewer skin wrinkles were apples.  

Green applesespecially, contain lutein that is good for the elasticity of the skin and the strengthening of cell membranes. Apples eaten with the skin on, have more flavinoids which are beneficial to our health.

5. Watercress – This green leafy plant with a peppery taste, is known to improve the complexion of the skin. The iron content in watercress is enough to encourage sufficient blood flow to the skin for a glowing healthy complexion.

Eaten regularly, these super-foods will help you look and feel radiant and youthful.  Remember, good nutrition and radiant skin go hand in hand. (See: Feed Your Skin, Starve Your Wrinkles: Eat Your Way to Firmer, More Beautiful Skin with the 100 Best Anti-Aging Foods)

Five Fast Facts About Skin

. It is the largest organ on the body

. Without sufficient oil, skin can become thin, dry and itchy

. The skin of an adult when laid out flat can cover a single bed

. Our skin accounts for 16% of our body weight

. Humans shed at least 40 kilograms of skin in their life time

(Read Master Your Metabolism: The 3 Diet Secrets to Naturally Balancing Your Hormones for a Hot and Healthy Body!)

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