Aging is something that we just can’t stop. As you get older, your hair may start to turn grey, your metabolism may slow down a bit and your skin might not have that elasticity that it once had. Aging is inevitable and there’s no stopping it, but you can at least slow it down. These eight foods are great for you and contribute to keeping you and your skin looking young, fresh and ageless.
Avocados
This popular ingredient is worth the extra buck at the restaurant. Avocados are known to protect your skin from the sun and give your skin the elasticity that a young face has — prolonging the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Recipe Suggestion:
Laila’s Avocado, Asparagus, And Artichoke Salad recipe gives your taste buds something to crave! This healthy and tasty salad is the perfect recipe to give your body what it needs, from the inside, out. Get this recipe and many more from Food For Life.
AVOCADO, ASPARAGUS, AND ARTICHOKE SALAD
Ingredients
- 1 6-ounce Jar artichoke hearts in extra virgin olive oil
- 1 bunch Thin asparagus, woody ends snapped off
- 1 Avocado, pitted, pealed and sliced
- Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Laila's Soulful Seasoning Salt
Instructions
- Remove the artichoke hearts from the oil and slice them. Place them in a bowl and add the oil from the jar.
- Fill a bowl with water and ice. Fill a wide skillet or sauté pan with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Salt the water, then add the asparagus and return to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the asparagus is crisp-tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife.
- Using tongs, remove the asparagus from the water and place it in the ice water for about 20 seconds, until fully cooled. Drain and place on a paper towel–lined plate to absorb excess water.
- Chop the asparagus and add it to the bowl with the artichoke hearts. Add the avocado, and add lemon juice and additional salt if needed. Top with the parsley and pinenuts, spoon onto plates or bowls, and serve
Pomegranates
Pomegranate juice is a great advocate for young, glowing skin. Filled with a great number of antioxidants, pomegranates protect your cells from sun damage and reduce inflammation. This will help keep your skin looking young and vibrant year after year.
Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as salmon, are a great contribution to your skin health. Omega-3 fatty acids help lower redness and inflammation, a common issue from acne and sun exposure. Overall, fish will help keep your skin moisturized and help make your skin stronger against those harsh UV rays.
Green Tea
Green tea has strong antioxidant properties that protect your skin’s collagen from sun damage and may reduce signs of aging. Aside from your skin health, green tea is also a great contribution to your dental health. One sign of age is yellowed teeth or even missing teeth. Studies have shown that green tea kills bacteria that can damage your teeth, thus preventing damage to them and even reducing bad breath.
Blueberries
This low calorie, sweet-tasting fruit is full of nutrients that help your body from the inside, out. Blueberries have one of the largest amounts of antioxidants and nutrients among all berries. Due to such a high level, these berries help reduce DNA damage, protecting you against aging and even cancer. DNA damage is one of the biggest reasons for aging, and if blueberries help slow that down, why not make it a part of your daily diet?
Spinach
It’s always smart to eat your greens. This leafy green should be an important part of your diet as it packs a punch in each and every bite with a mass amount of vitamins and minerals. Spinach increases the production of collagen, which helps your skin keep its youth by creating a smoother skin tone, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Plus, spinach also helps your skin retain moisture and fight acne. It goes without saying that spinach is a powerful plant that deserves much recognition.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are known for their great taste in all forms—mashed, whole, or cut and crispy. While they may be a tasty side, you can find a lot more in this delicious vegetable than just great flavor. Sweet potatoes are anti-oxidant rich foods, which is certainly good for your health. They have a great amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which all help protect your body from damage, aging, and disease.
Recipe Suggestion:
Laila’s Sweet-and-Salty Sweet Potato Salad recipe is a great option if you’re looking for something sweet, salty, healthy and easy! This little number is flavored to perfection with brown sugar, sea salt, and even turkey bacon slices. Get this recipe and many more from Food For Life.
SWEET-AND-SALTY SWEET POTATO SALAD
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Grated lime zest
- 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
- 1 Medium shallot, minced
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Paprika, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 3/4 tsp Laila's Soulful Seasoning Salt
- 1/4 tsp Laila's Spicy Pepper Blend
- 3 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 pounds Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 Small celery stalk finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Thinly sliced fresh chives, plus more for sprinkling
- 2 Turkey bacon slices, cooked until crisp and crumbled
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, lime zest, lime juice, shallot, brown sugar,mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the oil until emulsified.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a steamer basket set over a pot filled with a couple inches of simmering water. Cover and steam until tender when poked with a knife or fork, about 15 minutes. Transfer the sweet potatoes from the steamer to a large bowl and while still hot, pour the dressing over the sweet potatoes and toss to coat.
- Stir in the celery and chives and serve with the bacon (if desired), and a little paprika and chives sprinkled on top.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm, or cool completely and serve at room temperature.
Tomatoes
These red fruits that are constantly mistaken for veggies offer a great source of vitamins and antioxidants. One of the largest contributions in tomatoes that keep you looking young is lycopene, which is found in tomatoes of all kinds. Lycopene helps prevent sunburn, which is one huge factor that ages your skin. Sunspots, freckles, and wrinkles all come from sun damage. So eat up on those tomatoes and it can act as your edible and natural sunscreen.
Posted in Replenish Your Health and tagged Book: Food For Life
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