“We all want to look and feel as young as possible for as long as possible.”

 

This is evidenced by the billions of dollars spent every year on facial treatments, cosmetics and skin care products. But the true key to looking younger longer is feeding your body the right foods. Edible nature is filled with every possible nutrient we could use to fight the signs of aging and feel fantastic at the same time. Topical treatments are far more expensive, and far less effective.

 

Here are the top 20 foods that fight signs of aging, rejuvenate skin, repair or prevent sun damage, stimulate cell production and promote collagen production – all helping you to look amazing, no matter what your age. As a bonus, every single one of them will help you feel younger, too.

 

01. Blueberries

Blueberries are anti-aging superstars. Not only are they loaded with Vitamin C, the building block of new cells, but they’re also packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals attack healthy cells and cause them to age prematurely. Blueberries reduce that damage, and help to build healthier, new skin cells at the same time.
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02. Carrots

Carrots are known for providing a huge supply of beta-carotene. But beta-carotene isn’t just for healthy eyes. Beta-carotene is converted by our bodies into Vitamin A, which prevents and repairs sun damage and reduces patchiness and wrinkles caused by exposure. You can also get a good supply of beta-carotene from winter squash, sweet potatoes, orange peppers, and cantaloupe.
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03. Avocados

Avocados are loaded with Vitamin E, which is also known as the healing nutrient. But studies have shown that Vitamin E does more than just heal scars. Vitamin E can actually enter the mitochondria and improve their function, resulting in skin repair at a cellular level.
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04. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of nature’s best sources of lycopene, an important antioxidant for fighting free radicals, which, again, cause premature aging of cells. When fresh, ripe tomatoes are hard to come by, tomato paste (preferably organic) is also a great source.
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05. Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are one of the cruciferous vegetables (see #6), but they’re also jam packed with Vitamin C, so you get double anti-aging duty with this veggie.
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06. Cruciferous veggies

This group of vegetables is a powerful weapon against aging. Not only do they help detoxify the body (clearing your skin in the process), they also help promote estrogen production and secretion, helping you look and feel younger. Other good cruciferous veggies are collard greens, broccoli, kale and cabbage.
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07. Cucumbers

Cucumbers contain silica, which help to build healthy connective tissue. This includes the tissue that keeps skin firm and pliant, and also blood cells, which bring oxygen and nutrients to your skin.
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08. Cod

Cod is an excellent source of selenium, one of the top three nutrients for younger-looking skin. Selenium is used in the production of glutathione, a huge player in the antioxidant field. Glutathione actually recycles the other antioxidants you take in, which would otherwise become free radicals themselves after fighting free radical damage.
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09. Olive oil

The polyphenols and oleic acid in olive oil are essential to soft, youthful-looking skin. They’re so powerful that even applying olive oil to the skin itself is very effective. However, you’ll get even more benefit by getting some olive oil into your diet every day.
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10. Dark chocolate

Women around the world over celebrated the discovery that dark chocolate was actually good for our hearts and brains. But the same flavonoids in dark chocolate are also powerful weapons against free radical damage, so have a sweet treat and know that you’re doing something great for your skin as well as your soul.
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11. Wine and red grapes

Red grapes, and the wines made from them, are enormous sources of resveratrol, which is wonderfully-named, since it actually reverses (and prevents) signs of aging due to free radical damage. Cranberries and pomegranates are another source of this micronutrient.
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12. Beef

Beef, specifically grass-fed beef, is an abundant source of gelatin, which helps us to produce more collagen. Bone broth is a great way to gets tons of this source of youthfulness, and you can easily whip up a batch on a lazy Saturday. Also, adding beef soup bones and knuckles to soup will add healthy amounts of gelatin, and an enormous amount of flavor.
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13. Beans

Beans are an excellent source of so many nutrients, including Vitamin B6, folic acid, zinc, magnesium, biotin and sulfur. All of these micronutrients help give you shiny, strong hair. Biotin, in particular, is known to boost hair growth when eaten regularly, but forget about those expensive shampoos that contain biotin. This is one nutrient that works within your body, not when added topically.
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14. Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts are another great sources of glutathione, the antioxidant recycler. They’re also loaded with healthy fats that contribute to supple, moist skin.
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15. Kelp

Kelp is absolutely loaded with Vitamin C, and also contains a huge helping of Vitamin E. Studies have shown that seven days after eating Vitamin E rich foods, that vitamin E results in increased sebum, the substance that actually moisturizes and protects your skin from the inside.
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16. Fennel

Fennel is another veggie loaded with Vitamin C, but each part of the fennel plant has its own anti-aging benefits. While the bulbs contain most of the Vitamin C, the fronds provide a huge range of antioxidants and flavonoids that specifically fight aging. Grill or sauté the bulbs and add sautéed or roasted fronds to salads and soups.
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17. Oysters

Oysters aren’t just good for your sex drive. They also are a huge source of zinc, which heals existing scars and also prevents scarring from new wounds.
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18. Pomegranate seeds

Pomegranate seeds contain resveratrol, but are also one of the best sources of Vitamin C, so snack on these delicious seeds instead of reaching for fruit-flavored candies.
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19. Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are full of iron and copper, which help build healthy red blood cells and bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin and prevent the breakdown of collagen.
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20. Spinach

Spinach is packed with Vitamin C, and also contains plenty of folic acid and iron, both of which promote healthy blood flow and support collagen production.
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Now, wouldn’t you rather sit down to a plate loaded with these delicious foods instead of spending another $50 on some cream that’s not going to do what it promises?