'Feed' Your Skin Antioxidants for a Glowing Complexion

Although there is no conclusive proof that antioxidants keep skin from aging, experts do agree they have the ability to 'capture' free radicals and may protect us from certain diseases. Antioxidant-rich foods can also give us a healthier, glowing complexion.

According to Susan M. Kleiner, R.D., Ph.D, a Seattle-based nutritionist, eating foods rich in antioxidants is best. "There's no substitute for getting nutrients through food. The body absorbs and assimilates them far better than in supplement form."

Kleiner suggests following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Guide Pyramid, and eating three to five servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruit each day. Choose at least one citrus fruit, such as an orange, a tangerine, or a grapefruit, for vitamin C. To increase beta-carotene intake, eat at least two orange-yellow or leafy green vegetables each day.

Eat Right for Younger Looking Skin

Eating healthy equals younger looking skin. Drinking a cup of orange juice and eating one raw carrot provides twice the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C and beta-carotene. The RDA for vitamin E is harder to meet, especially for those on a low-fat diet.

"Don't be afraid to add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to your diet, or to eat some nuts or seeds," advises Dr. Kleiner.

The following guideline can be used for RDAs for three of the most common antioxidant nutrients, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene; good sources and how best to maximize benefits of each are included.

Vitamin C: RDA at least 60 mg. (1/2 cup orange juice = 70 mg.) Citrus fruits and juices and tomatoes are good sources of vitamin C. Eat whole fruit for extra fiber. Avoid juice in glass containers, and heat-pasteurized juice. Light and heat destroy some of the vitamin C.

Vitamin E: RDA 8 mg for women / 10 mg. for men (1 tablespoon of canola oil = 9 mg.) Good sources include nuts, seeds and their oils, fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, and trout, and wheat germ. Use canola, olive, or another vegetable oil in place of butter or margarine when cooking.

Beta-carotene: no established RDA. Expert Dr. Kleiner, however, recommends 5-6 mg. ( One carrot = 12 mg.) Orange and yellow vegetables, and leafy green vegetables, including broccoli, are all good sources. Instead of potato chips or popcorn for an evening snack while watching television, opt for prepackaged, washed and peeled baby carrots.

If you feel you are unable to meet the RDAs through diet alone, by all means take an all-in-one antioxidant vitamin supplement a day, but continue to pay attention to rich food sources.

Summary

Because many over-the-counter cosmetics containing antioxidants don't have enough to be totally affective by themselves, it is best to 'feed' them to your skin in combination with a healthy, antioxidant rich diet for younger looking skin.

We at Savvy Spa Luxuries care about you and your wellbeing. With proper skin care, a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and ample amounts of water, you can enjoy a more fit body, improved quality of life, increased stamina, and a glowing complexion!


(c)2006 Lori S. Anton
Savvy Spa Luxuries Editor
Writers Write Now

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Skin Care" article category.

People interested in the above article "'Feed' Your Skin Antioxidants for a Glowing Complexion" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

Keep Your Skin Looking Firm

Regardless how much we try to hide it from the world, our skin always will show exactly what type of life that we live. It will show our habits, how often we exercise, the foods we eat, and whether or not we sleep enough. Eventually, everything that we do will be disclosed in the condition of your skin. While these effects may not show in your early youth, at some point you are going to have to stop ignoring them and start living a healthier life. Here are some basic steps to follow to keep your skin young and firm.

Sensitive Skin Care

If you have sensitive skin, it can be hard to find a beauty regime that looks good, yet is easy on your skin. Fortunately, there is a way to treat your skin with the care it deserves, without taking up a-lot of time. You may first want to see a Dermatologist just to see if you have any specific allergies, and to explain exactly what you need. A dermatologist can also help you choose make-up, cleansers and moisturizers.

Homemade Facial Masks for Instant Natural Glow

It is often seen that skin care products we purchase from the market results in lots of side effects. So it is always better to use either homemade beauty recipes or herbal products for skin care. Facial masks offer the best protection in fighting against skin disorders. In this article you will learn the recipes of homemade facial masks that will help you to glow naturally.

Exfoliating Facial Mask at Home

Usually we think that to look beautiful requires a heavy budget and a frequent visit to beauty parlors. But this is a big myth. All we need is self consciousness, confidence and to know few simple natural skin care recipes to make your skin glow as never before. In this article I have discussed some exfoliating facial masks that can be done at home.

Skin Structure and Natural Remedies for Skin Care

Mother Nature has gifted us lots of herbs with mystical properties to take care of our health and beauty. We are born with a soft, gentle and smooth skin but not many of us can maintain the same texture and tone. This is because most of us deal with our skin carelessly when young, which results in various skin problems affecting beauty.

Herbs for Skin Care with Medicinal Properties

Cosmetics may harm your skin and make your skin lose natural glow. They also have many side-effects if using for long period. Herbs are the best substitute for such skin problems. They are now considered best for skin care and are widely used in making herbal cosmetics.

Natural Skin Care with Essential Oils

There are tons of beauty cosmetics and skin products available in the market but do you think they are good enough for your skin. Most of these beauty products contain harsh ingredient that may harm your skin and takes away its natural moisture. On the other hand essential oils are natural and can be freely used without any fear of side effects. Essential oils offer so many benefits in your skin care regime. Below are some common essential oils found in herbal skin products...