skin care

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!


ฉ2006 Lori S. Anton
Savvy Spa Luxuries Editor
Writers Write Now