Our Top Ten List

Healthy skin is beautiful skin. But beauty (and health) is more than skin deep. Here is a list of our Top Ten foods to help promote beautiful, radiant skin. Go ahead… and indulge!

10. Walnuts are rich in Zinc with powerful wound healing properties that can help with inflammatory diseases like eczema and cystic acne. Packed with B vitamins (aka, “beauty” vitamins) plus vitamins C and E, these antioxidants slow the hands of time by fighting extrinsic free radicals and lowering stress levels that result in early onset of wrinkles and faster aging. Nutcracker, anyone?

9. Sweet potato is a rich source of vitamin C. C=Collagen. As we age, our collagen breaks down, causing fine lines and wrinkles. Sweet potato contains antioxidants and beta-carotene for that beautiful, healthy glow.

Fun fact: Sweet Potato help repairs cell damage caused by excessive UV exposure. It provides an internal layer of protection to the skin from harmful UV rays of the sun… a natural sunblock!

8. Broccoli contains an organic compound called glucoraphanin- unique to only broccoli and cauliflower that actually regenerates sun damaged skin. Just like sweet potato, it also contains beta-carotene, plus vitamins A, C, E and a powerful antioxidant called sulforaphane, which may also have anti-cancer properties as well.

7. Tomatoes are filled with vitamin C, carotenoid and a photochemical called lycopene. These antioxidants fights against cellular damage and free radicals caused by UV rays. What’s the best recipe? Specifically tomato paste, which contains over 10x more lycopene than red ripe tomatoes.

6. Avocados are known to be very hydrating to the skin. Vitamin C promotes healthy collagen and Vitamin E also protects against sun damage which significantly reduces signs of aging. These wonderful green fruits are also skin firming. Guacamole anyone?

5. Green Tea slows the visible signs of aging by blocking the enzymes responsible for weakening collagen. It has been known for centuries for it’s amazing antioxidant properties.

"Of all the antioxidants known to mankind, the components of green tea are the most potent," says Hasan Mukhtar, PhD. Green Tea contains Polyphenols, which are a class of bioflavinoids and have been shown to have antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

4. Fatty Fish…oh my, oh my, oh my Omega 3! Keep the good in, and the bad out. These healthy fats strengthen the skin’s cell membranes, moisturize and provide beneficial nutrients to the skin while reducing inflammation. They contain astaxanthn, a carotenoid that improves skin elasticity and may also reduce certain forms of skin cancer.

3. Red Wine – YES! An antioxidant found in the grapes used to make red wine, called resveratrol can slow the growth of bacteria that cause acne as well as anti-aging benefits. “Red wine is packed with antioxidants like flavonoid and tannin which help fight ageing by restoring collagen and elastic fibers”, says nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat. A glass a day may boost sagging skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. But don't overdo it. Too much of a good thing will actually give the opposite effect and dehydrate the skin.

2. Dark Cocoa – (Hello antioxidants see a theme, here?) can regenerate skin cells as well as increase oxygen up-regulation and blood flow for a healthy glow. Flavonols are antioxidants that help your skin protect itself from UV damage, fight free radicals and can even improve skin hydration and thickness. Magnesium, iron and manganese reduce stress hormones, which means less disruption of collagen and therefore fewer wrinkles. Just make sure your chocolate is at least 70% cacao.

1. WATER. H2O. Yes, water does a body good, and your skin too. It not only hydrates your skin, but it also flushes out toxins and delivers vital nutrients to keep your skin (and body) healthy. BONUS – water plumps the skin cells, which makes your skin firmer and more youthful.

Water not only makes up 75% of the earth, but many fruits and veggies are more than 75% water too. So drinking boring ol’ water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated and healthy. However, we do highly recommend trying some of our favorite fruit-infused water recipes that we make fresh daily. Try them at home or on your next visit to The Preserve!

Watermelon + Mint

Orange + Strawberry + Rosemary

Pineapple + Blood Orange + Lime

Lemon + Blueberry

Strawberry + Kiwi + Mango

Any Combination You Choose!