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10 foods that can make you look YOUNGER

Last updated on: June 15, 2012 18:14 IST
Walnuts

No anti-aging cream, lotion or medicine can have your skin looking as young as when you consume foods that keep it healthy.

When you have the money, a scalpel and a knife can reverse your natural aging process and have you looking younger, but then it's rather plastic. You can get that genuine radiance from deep within -- a little restructuring of your diet will let the glow stay forever. So here's the list of top 10 foods which will trap your youth for the long term!

1. Nuts

Rich in Vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, nuts are a rich source of nutrients vital to your skin. They protect it by forming a fluid, rich membrane in the skin that is moist and flexible. Hence, wrinkles are kept away at bay and the radiance is blemish-free. The fluidity keeps the skin supple and prevents premature aging.

Your pick: Walnuts, pecans, almonds and hazelnuts, chia seeds and flaxseed

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2. Fruits and berries

Last updated on: June 15, 2012 18:14 IST
Acai berries

Excellent sources of antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals -- nature offers us more than we could ask for, of the aforesaid nutrients for flawless skin. While antioxidants keep the blood clean and increase the body's nutrient absorption, vitamins and minerals offer strong immunity.

Your pick: Raspberries, red grapes, blueberries, avocadoes, blackberries, kiwi, apricots, apple and pear, acai berries (also called the potion of youth), cantaloupe and prunes.

3. Greens

Last updated on: June 15, 2012 18:14 IST
Broccoli

Wrinkle-fighting antioxidants, vitamins C and E and beta-carotene can be found in plenty in green leafy vegetables. With their immunity-boosting properties, they also protect against cancer, arthritis and heart diseases. Playing a pivotal role in skin renewal and removal of harmful free radicals from the system, the greens have a magical effect as anti-aging promoters.

Your pick: Spinach, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cucumber and kale

4. Fish

Last updated on: June 15, 2012 18:14 IST
Fish

Fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty oils, the components that play a very important role in improving the elasticity of the skin. This effect further reduces wrinkles. Omega-3 fat is not produced by our bodies; it needs to be replenished from external sources and is found in plenty in fish.

Your pick: Salmon, trout, herring, sardines, mackerel or pilchards

5. Whole grains

Last updated on: June 15, 2012 18:14 IST
Oats

Whole grains not only contain antioxidants, they are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, proteins and fibre. They are also responsible for lowering blood cholesterol and help prevent heart disease. And a healthy body will give you healthy skin.

Your pick: Oats, brown rice, millet and barley

6. Veggies

Last updated on: June 15, 2012 18:14 IST
Ginger

Lycopene in vegetables is twice as powerful as beta carotene -- it contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for skin regeneration, sulfur compounds (the pungent smell in ginger) and other additions. These must be incorporated into your diet, owing to their capabilities to fight free radicals, keep the blood clean and increase immunity.

Your pick: Sweet potato, tomato, ginger and soy

7. Healthy fats

Last updated on: June 15, 2012 18:14 IST
Olive oil

Switch to healthier fats that are rich in antioxidants. These fats act as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins A, C and E, which are extremely necessary for flawless skin.

Your pick: Olive oil, safflower oil and sesame oil

8. Beneficial beverages

Last updated on: June 15, 2012 18:14 IST
Green tea

Banish all caffeine-rich beverages, hot or cold, from your diet because they have the power to destroy the vitamins in your body. The super-antioxidant EGCG has the capability to reverse oxidation and inflammation of the skin, which appears in the form of wrinkles, skin damage or scars.

Your pick: Green tea, black tea and home-made juices without sweeteners

9. Eggs and yoghurt

Last updated on: June 15, 2012 18:14 IST
Eggs

Rich in minerals, potassium and calcium, these are very good shortcuts to a good rejuvenated skin treat. Potassium aids in the growth of new skin cells. So wouldn't that be a good choice to make?

Your pick: Egg whites and skimmed milk yoghurt

10. Water

Last updated on: June 15, 2012 18:14 IST
Water

Almost 70 percent of your body is water alone. If this hydration is taken away, imagine what your skin would possibly feel like -- dry, scaly and malnourished. Water, the easily available resource, can do wonders for your skin and make it radiant like you always dreamed.

Your pick: Eight uncompromised glasses of water a day -- not too much to ask for.

Some of the most common ingredients you'll need in order to look younger can be found in your kitchen. You just need to look around, learn how to use them to your advantage and utilise them well.

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