Wrinkle Gracefully – Remember, You are What You Eat!

Besides air pollution, smoking, sleeping with make-up and not taking proper care of your skin, the food you eat could play a role in developing wrinkles.  Carbs, simple sugars and dairy have been shown to affect the elasticity of your skin, inflammatory foods break down collagen and alcohol causes premature wrinkles.

There are a number of anti-aging foods that have been proven to plump up your skin and help keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.  They are as follows:

• Watermelon – Watermelon is related to the cucumber, pumpkin and squash family is a super healthy addition to your diet – within moderation of course as it is very high in fructose.  The main benefit of this delicious fruit is that it contains a high level of lycopene which is a  powerful carotenoid antioxidant that fends of cell-damaging free radicals.
• Pomegranates – Pomegranates are packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that fights off wrinkle-causing free radicals. Drink it as a concentrated juice or simply enjoy the juice-filled sacks for a delicious, healthy snack.
• Peppers – Choose from red, green and yellow peppers – the brighter the better.  Peppers contain anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, are rich in vitamin C and delicious eaten raw or cooked.
• Maple Syrup – Maple syrup has a high sugar content, but is also known to have antioxidant properties which help repair skin damage and prevent wrinkles.  Used topically, you can tap into these benefits by making the following face mask: Stir together 1 tablespoon of warm milk and 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup. Add 3 tablespoons of finely ground oats, and stir again. Gently massage it onto your face and leave on for up to 20 minutes. Rinse off and follow with a moisturizer.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – One of the big components of the Mediterranean diet is olive oil.  It is a strong anti-inflammatory and has healthy effects on your skin.  Enjoy it over your salads in in your food in general.