Get Your Yum On with Anti-Aging Fruits

Posted by GladGirl Team on October 11, 2014

Sugar = Aging. The equation is true, but not all sugar is bad, especially when consumed in moderation. The sugar found in fruit, for example, isn’t going to contribute to wrinkles and lines. In fact, there are some fruits that, when indulged in regularly, can help you stave off aging! Check them out below!

Kudos for Kiwi

What has more vitamin C, a kiwi or an orange? A kiwi! A kiwi has 137.2 milligrams of vitamin C while a medium orange has around 70 milligrams. Vitamin C is considered an essential anti-aging nutrient because it helps build collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep skin firm, smooth and supple! Kiwis are also rich in another skin-saving nutrient—vitamin E! Vitamin E reduces your risk for skin cancer caused by UV damage. And get this—one study suggested that if you eat enough kiwis, your skin will enjoy a tan-like glow! So enjoy the tangy goodness of a kiwi today!

Luxuriate with Lemon

Lemons are loaded with citric acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps remove dead skin, so that your skin looks and feels much more radiant. As an antiseptic, lemons also help treat blackheads, and can tighten and firm skin, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. And wouldn’t you know it—lemons are packed with vitamin C! For anti-aging purposes, you can use lemons as part of a scrub made up of sugar (for the sloughing). Or you can treat your skin to a 10-minute lemon mask and add some honey for calming and soothing.

The Awesomeness of Avocado

Avocados are full of antioxidants, including alpha carotene, beta carotene, beta cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein, all of which are awesome at protecting against free radical damage. Free radicals accelerate aging, but not if they are stopped in their tracks first! Add slices of avocado to your salads and sandwiches for some internal anti-aging therapy. You can also use avocado topically as a mask. Mix with lemon and honey and keep it on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove with a washcloth and soak up that softness!

Berry Good

Berries are anti-aging powerhouses. The antioxidant anthocyanin protects against free radical damage, and ellagic acid defends against UV damage from the sun. Both help protect your precious stores of collagen and elastin. Those with sensitive skins prone to redness will definitely want to enjoy berries daily. Blend them into a smoothie drink to help fight inflammation and skin sensitivity.

Enjoy a Tomato Treat

In 2012, researchers from the University of Manchester determined that tomatoes help protect against sun damage and suppress the activity of enzymes that destroy collagen in the skin. Here’s what lead researcher Professor Lesley Rhodes has to say: “The tomato diet significantly boosted the level of the protein procollagen, which helps keep the skin supple. These increasing levels suggest potential reversal of the skin aging process. This is in addition to the significant reduction in sunburn." On reason tomatoes are such anti-aging geniuses is their high dose of the antioxidant lycopene, which is a proven free radical butt kicker and skin strengthener. So go ahead and add tomatoes to your salad and sandwiches, or enjoy tomato soup, juice, or pasta sauce!