Most people would say that they want to look younger, but aside from good genes and plastic surgery, there are only a few things we can do to keep ourselves looking young. However, the foods and drinks we put into our bodies have a big impact on the outside as well. Here are some of the top things to consume that will help us stay looking young and beautiful from the inside out.
Oatmeal
This old-fashioned breakfast staple is good for more than just starting your day with a hearty meal. The amino acids and vitamin E in oatmeal are great for your skin by fighting sun damage, free radicals, and soothing irritation. Just make sure to get the non-processed kind of oatmeal: the instant stuff doesn’t have the same benefits.
Water
If only Diet Coke instead of water was the best drink to help us look younger! Water may not be exciting to drink, but there’s no denying its many benefits. Most people don’t drink anywhere near enough water. Try to drink at least the recommended 8 ounces a day at minimum. But if you really want to see the benefits of drinking water, challenge yourself to drink a gallon a day. Yes, it’s a lot, but it pays off with the kind of plump, glowing skin that makes you look younger.
Cheese
Most people don’t mind having a reason to eat more cheese. One of the surprising benefits of eating cheese is that it can make your teeth look brighter. The calcium in foods like cheese also strengthens the enamel on your teeth and makes them more resistant to stains. A bright, healthy-looking smile is an important part of looking young and vibrant.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit and other citrus fruits are great for helping you look youthful. Vitamin C is so good for your skin that many skin care and cosmetic companies make products that contain it to apply directly to your skin. But consuming vitamin C is also beneficial and helps your skin to get that youthful glow.
Walnuts
A handful of walnuts are a healthy snack or garnish for a salad that also provides an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids will draw more moisture to your skin, plumping up the surface and smoothing out any fine lines and wrinkles. The vitamin E and omega-3s in walnuts are also good for your hair, which helps to the damaged ends that can make you look older. Walnuts also contain copper, which may keep you from going gray.
Blueberries
These tart little berries are a powerhouse of antioxidants. Blueberries contain vitamins C and E, two antioxidants that work together to brighten skin, even out skin tone, and fight free-radical damage. Blueberries also contain arubtin, a natural ingredient related to the skin lightener hydroquinone.
Kale
Is there anything this superfood can’t do? We already know that kale has an amazing list of health benefits, from lowering cholesterol to improving heart health. It’s been called one of the most nutritionally complete foods. Not surprisingly, it also has benefits in helping you look younger. It has high vitamin K levels, which can reduce broken blood vessels under your eyes that create the aging appearance of dark circles. Kale is also a great source of natural iron, which prevents the pale, anemic look.
