The choice between having a radiant glow to your skin or one that looks prematurely aged, is a no brainer! Most of us know that the outcome of this choice depends on what we put into our mouths, but it is something that we need constant reminding about, to avoid slipping into bad habits.

Good food delivers nutrients to your body, some of which protect your skin cells from the sun’s rays, keep your skin hydrated, and limit the damage of free radicals. Other nutrients increase cell turnover to reveal healthier skin underneath, or build strong cell walls for smooth, firm, supple-looking skin.

On the other hand, most commercially baked goods or fast and ultra-processed foods, are less nutrient-dense and typically high in salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. These nutrient depleted foods, spike the formation of free radicals that are a key driver of the aging process.

They add to inflammation in your body and besides being the cause of a number of chronic diseases, can also cause skin redness, acne and a breakdown of collagen that leads to wrinkles and sagging. 

While aging and wrinkling are a natural part of life, it is possible to slow down the process by limiting your exposure to unnecessary free radicals through a diet rich in antioxidants.

You can reduce free radical accumulation by steering clear of processed foods and limiting your exposure to cigarette smoke, alcohol, environmental pollutants, and industrial chemicals or solvents — including pesticides, herbicides, and toxic household cleaners.

Beautiful skin is maintained by what you eat. Below is a list of 10 foods that you are encouraged to eat on a regular basis to give you the antioxidants and other nutrients that your skin needs to stay radiant and healthy: